Experimental and computational analyses of a photovoltaic module cooled with an optimized converging channel absorber

• Outdoor experimental testing, CFD modeling, and desirability optimization are performed. • The optimal converging angle of the cooling absorber is evaluated. • The converging channel attained better temperature uniformity and lower module temperature. • Prediction models for six different indicators of the LCPV/T module are proposed. • Maximizing the thermal and electrical power can be attained by using a 4°converging angle. The electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules under concentrated illumination significantly declines due to the substantial increase in the module's average temperature, especially in areas with elevated ambient temperatures and high levels of solar radiation, such as the Gulf region. Therefore, applying efficient thermal management to these modules is essential for achieving a lower operating temperature, longer lifespan, higher electrical energy output, and harnessing low-grade thermal energy. Converging absorbers are commonly used in PV module's cooling. However, the optimized design of these absorbers is rarely found. This study proposes an integrated framework combining outdoor experimental testing, computational modeling, and desirability optimization through response surface methodology (RSM) to fill this gap. This integrated framework is employed to statistically evaluate the impact of the converging channel outlet height (H out , ranging from 3 mm to 17 mm), cooling fluid velocity (0.007 to 0.01 m/s), adhesive material thermal conductivity (0.14 to 3.7 W/m·K), and cooling water inlet temperature (25 to 35°C) at a solar concentration ratio of 3 on various module responses. Five responses including module temperature, module temperature non-uniformity, thermal power, net electrical power, and entropy generation rate are evaluated at these design factors. Predictive models for these five responses are developed with high coefficients of determination (R²) values. An analysis of variance is performed to identify the most significant factors and interactions influencing each response. Various optimization scenarios for the responses are explored. Among these, maximizing the thermal and electrical generated power can be attained by keeping the converging channel with H out of 3 mm, inlet velocity at 0.0084 m/s, inlet temperature at 20 °C, and adhesive thermal conductivity at 2.94 W/m·K.