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Assessing the Impact of Water Cooling on PV Modules Efficiency

Author

Listed:
  • Wojciech Luboń

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Grzegorz Pełka

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Mirosław Janowski

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Leszek Pająk

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Michał Stefaniuk

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Jarosław Kotyza

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

  • Paweł Reczek

    (Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental, AGH University of Science and Technology, 30-059 Krakow, Poland)

Abstract

The article presents the results of research on the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules cooled with water. The aim of the experiment was to improve the working conditions of solar modules. A temperature decrease was obtained for the PV module by pouring cool tap water onto the upper surface of the modules, either in imitation of rain or as a water film. The power of the cooled and non-cooled devices were then compared. The temperature of the cooled modules dropped to almost 25 °C, whilst the temperature of the non-cooled module was 45 °C. The best results were achieved by cooling modules with a water film, since there were no water splashes, and the continuous cooling of the surface leads to a 20% increase in power. During the test, the non-cooled module attained a maximum power of 105.3 W/m 2 , compared to 125.5 W/m 2 for its cooled counterpart. Cooling the module, therefore, resulted in a power increase of 20.2 W/m 2 . The results of the work may be of particular interest for small installations, especially because it cleans the modules while providing an increase in power.

Suggested Citation

  • Wojciech Luboń & Grzegorz Pełka & Mirosław Janowski & Leszek Pająk & Michał Stefaniuk & Jarosław Kotyza & Paweł Reczek, 2020. "Assessing the Impact of Water Cooling on PV Modules Efficiency," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:10:p:2414-:d:357047
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ali Sohani & Mohammad Hassan Shahverdian & Hoseyn Sayyaadi & Siamak Hoseinzadeh & Saim Memon & Giuseppe Piras & Davide Astiaso Garcia, 2021. "Energy and Exergy Analyses on Seasonal Comparative Evaluation of Water Flow Cooling for Improving the Performance of Monocrystalline PV Module in Hot-Arid Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Zeyad A. Haidar & Jamel Orfi & Zakariya Kaneesamkandi, 2020. "Photovoltaic Panels Temperature Regulation Using Evaporative Cooling Principle: Detailed Theoretical and Real Operating Conditions Experimental Approaches," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-20, December.
    3. Sohani, Ali & Cornaro, Cristina & Shahverdian, Mohammad Hassan & Hoseinzadeh, Siamak & Moser, David & Nastasi, Benedetto & Sayyaadi, Hoseyn & Astiaso Garcia, Davide, 2023. "Thermography and machine learning combination for comprehensive analysis of transient response of a photovoltaic module to water cooling," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 210(C), pages 451-461.
    4. Novak, Milan & Vohnout, Rudolf & Landkamer, Ladislav & Budik, Ondrej & Eider, Markus & Mukherjee, Amrit, 2023. "Energy-efficient smart solar system cooling for real-time dynamic weather changes in mild-climate regions," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 182(C).

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