EXPERIMENTAL STUDY TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF SOLAR CELL USING EVAPORATIVE COOLING SYSTEM

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Mechanical Power Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Al -Azhar University

2 faculty of engineering ahram canadian university

Abstract

Environmental degradation has necessitated the advancement of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, which is characterized by relatively low efficiency. The performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels is significantly affected by various factors, including the increase in surface temperature. Employing cooling techniques presents a viable solution to enhance PV performance. This study evaluates the effect of an evaporative cooling system on the performance of PV panels across four seasons. The system incorporates a honeycomb carton pad attached to the underside of one of two mono-crystalline silicon 100 W solar panels, with water supplied to facilitate cooling through evaporation. The other PV panel, without cooling, served as a control. Experiments were conducted daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Data were collected on module temperature, ambient temperature, solar irradiance, relative humidity, current, and voltage, with electric power and efficiency calculated accordingly. Results indicated a marked improvement in efficiency and power output for the cooled PV panel, particularly in hot weather conditions. The increase in power output reached 9.41% in June and 5.6% in March, with corresponding efficiency improvements of 9.42% and 5.84%, respectively. During winter and autumn, these improvements were more modest, at 2.6% and 2.8%. The evaporative cooling system offers an economical and effective means to enhance PV panel performance in hot climates.

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