Experimental investigation of indirect evaporative cooling capacity for electrical performance optimization of a CPV system

• Water bags connected to PV panels for rapid heat transfer through evaporative cooling. • Research explores the potential of evaporative cooling at elevated water temperatures. • The efficiency of evaporative cooling in reducing PV panel temperatures were observed. • Evaporative cooling, coupled with a low-power fan, highly enhances panel performance. • Integrating IEC with a water desalination system have been suggested for future usage. This study investigates the enhancement of electrical performance in Low Concentrated Photovoltaic (LCPV) systems through a novel approach integrating indirect evaporative cooling (IEC). Traditional LCPV systems often face efficiency challenges due to excessive panel temperatures, which lead to reduced power output and potential thermal damage. While various cooling methods have been explored, this study innovates by employing a simple and cost-effective IEC method, capable of significantly reducing panel surface temperature without requiring complex infrastructure. A unique experimental setup was designed to assess cooling performance across a wide temperature range (30 °C to 70 °C), with the system employing a water bag and low-energy fan to maximize evaporative cooling. The results show that, under IEC, the LCPV panel’s surface temperature was reduced by more than 60 °C, achieving safe operating levels even under concentrated sunlight. This temperature control led to an increase in power output of over 50 % and an efficiency improvement from 5.56 % to 9.97 %, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed cooling method. Additionally, this study proposes a combined IEC-desalination system that uses the humidified air from the cooling process to produce potable water, offering a dual benefit in both energy generation and water purification. This integrated IEC approach presents a promising advancement for LCPV technology, with implications for sustainable energy solutions in high-temperature environments. The findings underscore the potential for IEC not only to boost solar panel efficiency but also to create multifunctional systems that address both energy and water scarcity challenges.