Novel trimmed heat extraction system for high-concentration photovoltaic in hot climate zones

Mini-channel-based heat sinks are among the finest and promising strategies for effective heat extraction from high concentrating photovoltaic (HCPV) modules; however, in a constrained space this technology may challenge the increase of frictional losses resulting in high required pumping power. In the current research, new mini-channel configurations are proposed to ensure lesser pressure drop without risking the safe operating limits of the HCPV modules at concentration ratios ranging from x500 to x2000. Three different configurations of a proposed trimmed design are analysed and compared against the conventional mini-channel heat sink. All the trimmed mini-channel configurations have recorded better cell temperature uniformity compared with the conventional mini channel and maximum solar cell temperature below the manufacturer's maximum recommended temperature for all tested optical concentration levels. The trimmed mini-channel configuration that has 30% inlet and 70% outlet area has performed the maximum water outlet temperature of 53.71 degrees C at a flow rate of 0.001 kg s(-1), and a concentration ratio (CR) of x2000 among the selected configurations. The same configuration has shown the lowest pressure drop of 8.61 Pa at a CR of x500 and the best ratio of thermal power to pumping power, making it the best among the proposed configurations.