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A Thermal Model to Estimate PV Electrical Power and Temperature Profile along Panel Thickness

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  • Francesco Nicoletti

    (Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Mario Antonio Cucumo

    (Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Vittorio Ferraro

    (Computer, Modelling, Electronics and System Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Dimitrios Kaliakatsos

    (Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

  • Albino Gigliotti

    (Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy)

Abstract

The production of electricity from photovoltaic panels has experienced significant developments. To manage the energy flows introduced into the electricity grid, it is necessary to estimate the productivity of PV panels under the climatic conditions. In this study, a photovoltaic panel is modelled from thermal and electrical points of view to evaluate electrical performance and identify the temperature distribution in the layers. The analysis performed is time dependent and the problem is solved using the finite difference technique. A methodology is introduced to estimate the cloudiness of the sky, which affects radiative heat exchange. The calculation method is validated using experimental data recorded in a laboratory of the University of Calabria. Temperature and electrical power are predicted with RMSE of 1.5–2.0 °C and NRMSE of 1.2–2.1%, respectively. The evaluation of the temperature profile inside the panel is essential to understand how heat is dissipated. The results show that the top surface (glass) is almost always colder than the back of the panel, despite being exposed to radiation. In addition, the upper surface dissipates more heat power than the lower one. Cooling systems, such as spray cooling, work better if they are installed on the back of the panel.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Nicoletti & Mario Antonio Cucumo & Vittorio Ferraro & Dimitrios Kaliakatsos & Albino Gigliotti, 2022. "A Thermal Model to Estimate PV Electrical Power and Temperature Profile along Panel Thickness," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-17, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:20:p:7577-:d:941976
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Bevilacqua, Piero & Bruno, Roberto & Rollo, Antonino & Ferraro, Vittorio, 2022. "A novel thermal model for PV panels with back surface spray cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 255(C).
    2. Jordehi, A. Rezaee, 2016. "Parameter estimation of solar photovoltaic (PV) cells: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 354-371.
    3. Piero Bevilacqua & Stefania Perrella & Daniela Cirone & Roberto Bruno & Natale Arcuri, 2021. "Efficiency Improvement of Photovoltaic Modules via Back Surface Cooling," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-18, February.
    4. Mattei, M. & Notton, G. & Cristofari, C. & Muselli, M. & Poggi, P., 2006. "Calculation of the polycrystalline PV module temperature using a simple method of energy balance," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 31(4), pages 553-567.
    5. Bevilacqua, Piero & Bruno, Roberto & Arcuri, Natale, 2020. "Comparing the performances of different cooling strategies to increase photovoltaic electric performance in different meteorological conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
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