CFD modelling of the heat transfer of photovoltaic modules

In this work the heat transfer of a PV solar module is investigated with CFD simulations. Conjugate heat transfer simulations are created, in which the air flow with the convective heat transfer around the solar panel and the heat transfer inside the PV module are both simulated. The radiative heat transfer is also modelled using the discrete ordinates method. First, the PV panel is simulated without wind flow, where the module induces a buoyant flow of warm air. Then, several cases are investigated with wind flow, considering different wind speeds and wind directions around the panel.