Analysis of Cooling Methods to Improve the Electrical Performance of Photovoltaic Modules

The conversion of solar energy into electricity by photovoltaic solar modules causes the temperature of the photovoltaic solar cells to rise, reducing their electrical efficiency. The heat dissipation of photovoltaic solar modules allows them to be cooled and the recovered heat can be used for residential and industrial applications. Many different cooling methods have been proposed to reduce the temperature of photovoltaic solar modules and improve electrical efficiency. These photovoltaic solar module cooling methods are classified into active, passive and hybrid cooling. Although most solar module air cooling techniques have been investigated, air cooling methods that optimise heat transfer through structural configuration have not been collectively studied. This paper reviews recent work on air-cooling methods for solar photovoltaic modules, focusing on natural and forced air circulation, efficient solar radiation collection and conversion, and improved heat transfer coefficient by air convection in a duct. These air-cooling methods are examined, analysed and compared, and the prospects for these different techniques are proposed. The results showed that forced-air cooling coupled with fins/baffles using phase-change materials and bifacial and thermoelectric photovoltaic modules are the most promising, despite their complex structures and very high investment costs. Thanks to their efficient heat transfer, their storage of excess heat and their significant reduction in the temperature of solar PV modules, these cooling techniques, which are recommended for promotion, can ensure rational use of energy.