Thermal management of solar photovoltaic systems

Abstract

Due to their eco-friendliness, photovoltaic panels to produce electricity have recently gained popularity worldwide. Depending on the characteristics and configuration of the solar cells, photovoltaic cells manufactured of semiconductors can have an electrical efficiency between 4% and 47%. Photovoltaic (PV) panels that are not used to generate electricity experience some of the sun spectrum as incident light, which increases their operating temperature and shortens their lifespan. This study examines several methods that could be used to lessen the negative impacts of high temperatures. It describes how to bring down the surface temperature of the PV module. The goal, significance, and type of technology used to cool solar panels in various research are evaluated and categorized. The conclusions have been considered considering each technology's advantages, disadvantages, potential applications, and techno-economic character. The primary focus of the inquiry will be the range of surface temperature reductions bound by each cooling technology. Additionally, the effectiveness of each cooling technology will be highlighted in this review. The effectiveness of each cooling strategy will also be compared in this review. The findings of the study are fully described in the conclusion section. It is demonstrated that any effective method for cooling PV panels should be utilized to keep the temperature of the working surface at a low and stable level, be simple and trustworthy, and, if possible, allow for the utilization of extracted thermal heat to increase the overall conversion efficiency. The detailed review is helpful for PV system theory, design, and application engineers.