Experimental Investigation of Thermal Management Techniques for Improving the Efficiencies and Lcoes of Solar Pv Modules Installed in Hot-Humid Climates

The performance of solar PV panels is affected by the module temperature. Controlling the PV module temperature to optimize performance is of interest to researchers and project developers. In this paper, studies have been conducted on the performance of solar PV modules with integration of four different thermal management (cooling) techniques, namely, perforated-ribs-heat-sink under natural convection (PRNC), phase change materials (PCM), galvanized duct with forced convection (GDFC), and ducted fins under forced convection (FDFC). Experiments were conducted with these four cooling techniques incorporated into the solar PV panels, in a hot climate, Ghana. The results obtained indicated an average percentage improvement in second law efficiency of 9.0%, 18.5%, 30.3% and 45.5% for the GDFC, PRNC, PCM and FDFC, respectively, compared to the control PV module without any cooling technique. Analysis of the result also showed that for all the samples tested, the PV panel integrated with FDFC can maintain more stable and relatively lower temperatures, averagely 46 oC throughout the day. The stable temperature for the FDFC has the potential to minimize thermal stresses in the panel, thereby increasing its reliability and life-years. Finally, this study highlights that different LCOEs exist for solar PV plants incorporated with different cooling techniques.