Application of graphene and graphene derivatives in cooling of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels: A review

Solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are often subjected to high temperature rise, causing their performance to deteriorate. Graphene and graphene derivatives with superior in-plane thermal conductivity ranging up to 3000–5000 W/(m·K) have recently presented new opportunities for improving heat dissipation rates in engineering applications. Cooling methods with the incorporation of graphene and its derivatives in different approaches such as graphene-coated neutral density (ND) filters, graphene-enhanced thermal interface materials (TIM), graphene-enhanced phase change materials (PCM) and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) nanofluids are reviewed in terms of their significances in promoting heat dissipation in solar PV panels. With a graphene-coated ND filter, the focal spot temperature was reduced by 20 % compared to the infrared filter, and a 12 % enhancement in efficiency was observed. Graphene-enhanced TIM reduced the temperature rise by 34 % compared to the conventional TIM. The employment of GnP-enhanced PCM improved the power output and efficiency of the solar PV system with lower average cell temperature achieved compared to other nanoparticles-enhanced PCM. On the other hand, GnP nanofluid reduced the panel temperature by ∼17 °C, corresponding to an increase of ∼3 W in the power output. The surface temperature at the peak point was 35.8 % lower than the conventional panel when graphene nanofluid was circulated in the solar PV system. These findings have not only shed light on the application of graphene in assisting heat transfer for solar PV cooling, but also provide valuable insights into its applicability across other diverse fields such as heat pipes, heat exchangers, and solar collectors.