Open Access

ARTICLE

Enhancing Solar Photovoltaic Efficiency: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis

by Rahool Rai^1,2,3,*, Fareed Hussain Mangi⁴, Kashif Ahmed², Sudhakar Kumaramsay^1,5,6,*

1 Faculty of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pekan, 26600, Pahang, Malaysia
2 Faculty of Engineering Science & Technology, Hamdard University, Karachi, 74600, Pakistan
3 Electrical Engineering Department, SUKKUR IBA University, Sukkur, 65200, Pakistan
4 Berlin School of Business and Innovation BSBI, Faculty of Computer Science and Informatics, Berlin, 12043, Germany
5 Automotive Engineering Centre, University Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah, Pekan, 26600, Pahang, Malaysia
6 Centre for Research in Advanced Fluid & Processes (Fluid Centre), Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), Paya Besar, Kuantan, 26300, Pahang, Malaysia

* Corresponding Authors: Rahool Rai. Email: ,; Sudhakar Kumaramsay. Email:

Energy Engineering 2025, 122(1), 153-166. https://doi.org/10.32604/ee.2024.051789

Received 15 March 2024; Accepted 01 July 2024; Issue published 27 December 2024

Abstract

The growing need for sustainable energy solutions, driven by rising energy shortages, environmental concerns, and the depletion of conventional energy sources, has led to a significant focus on renewable energy. Solar energy, among the various renewable sources, is particularly appealing due to its abundant availability. However, the efficiency of commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is hindered by several factors, notably their conversion efficiency, which averages around 19%. This efficiency can further decline to 10%–16% due to temperature increases during peak sunlight hours. This study investigates the cooling of PV modules by applying water to their front surface through Computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The study aimed to determine the optimal conditions for cooling the PV module by analyzing the interplay between water film thickness, Reynolds number, and their effects on temperature reduction and heat transfer. The CFD analysis revealed that the most effective cooling condition occurred with a 5 mm thick water film and a Reynolds number of 10. These specific parameters were found to maximize the heat transfer and temperature reduction efficiency. This finding is crucial for the development of practical and efficient cooling systems for PV modules, potentially leading to improved performance and longevity of solar panels. Alternative cooling fluids or advanced cooling techniques that might offer even better efficiency or practical benefits.

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Keywords

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