Experimental investigation of photovoltaic system performance enhancement using CuO/DI water nanofluid: A 4E analysis

With the global transition toward renewable energy, improving the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is increasingly important. However, elevated operating temperatures significantly reduce PV performance, creating the need for effective cooling solutions like nanofluids. Unlike similar studies that typically focus on either fluid characterization or system application separately, this research introduces a holistic framework encompassing the preparation, characterization, and integration of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS)-stabilized CuO/DI water nanofluids, evaluated through a rigorous 4E (Energy, Exergy, Environmental, and Economic) assessment. By experimentally varying the surfactant-to-nanoparticle weight ratios to explore four different solution concentrations, the study established that a 1:2.5 SDS-to-CuO ratio optimally balances long-term stability and thermal conductivity and used in the PV system. During experimentation, solar irradiation followed a diurnal cycle with midday peaks (around 1100 W/m²), while surface temperatures rose up to 58.3°C, reducing performance in conventional PV panels. Cooling methods effectively mitigated these performance losses, with PV/water systems improving power output by 8–12% and PV/nanofluid providing an additional 3–5% enhancement. Electrical efficiency remained within the 12–22% range, with nanofluid cooling consistently delivering the highest values. Moreover, the environmental analysis highlighted the superior carbon mitigation of PV/nanofluid systems (around 1.20 tons of CO₂ over its 20-year lifetime) and the highest lifetime carbon credit earnings (around $17.8), underscoring their dual role in improving system efficiency and contributing to climate change mitigation. The study concludes that properly stabilized nanofluids can significantly improve PV performance and contribute to cleaner energy production, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.