Experimental and numerical evaluation of a novel swirling reversed circular flow jet impingement for photovoltaic thermal module

Heat accumulation on the surface of PV is considered a fundamental problem that reduces performance and degrades lifespan. Latest advancements in literature suggest employing the Reversed Circular Flow Jet Impediment (RCFJI) as a cooling mechanism. However, this technique needs to be modified to generate more turbulence and vortices in the flow while maintaining the same or lower friction penalty. Thus, this study introduces a Swirling Reversed Circular Flow Jet Impediment (SRCFJI). The study first meticulously optimizes the effect of geometrical parameters such as groove shapes (circular, cubic, and triangular), cup depth (20 mm to 50 mm), groove width (1–2 mm), and the groove tilt angles (30° or 45°). The optimized design is manufactured and experimentally tested under mass flow rates of 0.01 to 0.13 kg/s and solar irradiances of 500 to 900 W/m². The primary findings indicate that the best configuration includes a circular shape with a cup depth of 40 mm and a groove width of 1 mm at mass flow rates of 0.13 kg/s and solar irradiance of 900 W/m2, resulting 56% enhancement in Thermohydraulic Performance Factor (THPF). In addition, the energy efficiency analysis demonstrates that the newly proposed systems reach a maximum electrical energy efficiency of 12.42% at mass flow rates of 0.13 kg/s and solar irradiances of 500 W/m², while an optimal thermal energy efficiency of 73.68% was recorded at mass flow rates of 0.13 kg/s and solar irradiances of 900 W/m².