Solar photovoltaic cells performance improvement by cooling technology: An overall review

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents, a precise review on cooling of Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Cells has been examined. The critical analysis aims to improve electrical efficiency, life span of PV cells. The paper discusses the impact of previous research, technical details for optimization to provides supporting information to enhance the quality of future research. As well, some of the strengths and weaknesses of different cooling techniques are discussed. The analysis of some studies on passive and active cooling techniques show that the flow rate in the water cooling method has a direct relation with the reduction in temperature and increase in efficiency of cells. The cooling rate of PV cells and total energy generation by jet impingement cooling method in a hybrid PV-wind system is more efficient compared to conventional PV systems. Phase Change Material (PCM) cooling of PV cells is one of the efficient techniques. It can be used to store large amount of heat energy at small temperature difference of coolant fluid and PV cell. It is helpful to support PV cells cooling in hot as well as cold environment conditions. An appropriate PCM suitable for PV cell cooling application according to local temperature variation would be required.