Design of a new photovoltaic panel cooling system to optimize its electrical efficiency

In this paper we present the study of a hybrid photovoltaic/thermal panel (PV/T). It consists of a sheet form with several inputs-outputs opening (I/O) of coolant fluid, confined between the rear face of the panel and a Plexiglas support plate. The system is designed to maintain the temperature of the PV panel near ambient temperature. Heat transfer through the components of PV/T collector, taking into account energy losses by conduction, convection and radiation, are implemented by numerical simulation. The knowledge and control of the temperature in each point of the PV panel are important and permit to limit at best the temperature gradients across its surface. We present the thermal balance depending on the number of opening inputs/outputs of the coolant plate, the geometry of the collector and the cooling fluid flow rate. For specific configuration and operational conditions, we propose a law giving optimal cooling conditions of the PV module.