Theoretical, experimental and numerical analysis on the cooling performance of fins as a passive cooling technique for photovoltaic panels

• Grant number: 21/08818-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2021
• End date: September 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Transport Phenomena
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Maria Cardoso
• Grantee: Vinicius Marson
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to develop an analytical, numerical and experimental study of a photovoltaic system. All tests will be carried out outdoor using commercial photovoltaic panels, considering the day's weather conditions. The study has the following objectives: - to propose a heat sink from an analytical and numerical study, considering different design geometries and installation aspects; - to perform the heat sink installation to the backside of the PV system to analyze the temperature distribution and thermal performance of the system. The analysis will consider the temperature in the cells, local meteorological data, the geometric characteristics of the exchanger, and the voltage and current generated by the photovoltaic system. Based on the results and analyses, it will be verified if the proposed cooling system can decrease the operating temperature, thus increasing the energy conversion and lengthening the useful life of the solar system. This work contributes to showing the importance of correct sizing, design, and analysis of heat sinks to improve the efficiency of photovoltaic panels and increase the use of solar energy. (AU)