Cooling optimization for concentrating photovoltaic modules: A study of convective and radiative cooling with a focus on plate fin applications

This study investigates a passive cooling system for horizontal concentrating (Hor-Con) photovoltaic (PV) modules. Maintaining operating temperatures within an optimal range is crucial for efficiency, as in concentrating photovoltaics (CPV). Unlike traditional CPV systems where cooling elements such as fins are positioned at the back of the solar panel, this design extends plate fins toward the front, preventing hot air accumulation and enhancing cooling. Its simplicity and compatibility with the Hor-Con PV’s linear concentration ensure seamless integration. The primary goal is to keep cell temperatures below 70 ∘ C under high irradiation. Key findings show that increasing the fin height enhances heat dissipation, while wind speed strongly influences cooling. With a wind speed of 1 ms −1 , operational temperatures are reduced by 10–15 ∘ C, and an increase to 3.6 ms −1 yields an additional 5–10 ∘ C reduction. The mean thermal efficiency for the extended fins is 58.9% (10 cm), 63.3% (12 cm), and 66.1% (14 cm), with all configurations maintaining temperatures below the threshold. The findings confirm that Hor-Con PV systems with proposed plate fins could maintain reliable operation under high-irradiation conditions, while also demonstrating measurable efficiency gains. • Convection cooling efficiencies validated experimentally and numerically. • Increasing fin height was shown to significantly enhance heat dissipation. • Optimal performance observed for 12 cm and 14 cm fin heights. • Digital twin model was developed for prototyping under various operating conditions. • Introduction of forced convection reduces CPV temperature by 10–15 ∘ C at 1 ms −1 . • Finned system offers additional 5–10 ∘ C temperature reduction at 3.6 ms −1 . • Proposed finned system maintains CPV below 70 ∘ C at 850 Wm −2 beam irradiation.