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Research Article

Design optimization and experimental evaluation of novel photovoltaic modules in comparison with a conventional photovoltaic module

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ABSTRACT

Solar energy is a clean and pollution-free resource that can meet thermal and electrical energy demands throughout the year, even on cloudy days, and it helps reduce the need for imported oils and fossil fuels. Direct conversion of radiant energy from the sun into electric power is possible only through photovoltaic (PV) technology. It should be noted that the rate of conversion of sunlight into electricity in solar photovoltaic modules is relatively low. The performance of the PV module is affected by various parameters, but the temperature of a solar photovoltaic cell has a significant impact on its efficiency. The PV module becomes overheated due to poor heat dissipation in the module. The photovoltaic efficiency can be improved by minimizing the temperature in the cells. Two types of PV modules are designed and fabricated to minimize the temperature of the PV cells by changing the cell arrangement and bottom material, and their performance is evaluated. In this study, the performance of the conventional PV module is compared with two novel PV modules. The temperature distribution in each layer of three modules is analyzed in Transient thermal analysis using Ansys software. The experiment results were validated with simulation results to better understand the mechanism involved between temperature and photovoltaic efficiency. The experimental studies were carried out under the climate patterns of Coimbatore (latitude: 10.8977ºN; longitude: 76.9528ºE), Tamil Nadu. It has been discovered that the average photovoltaic efficiency of PV1, PV2 and PV3 was 8.5%, 9.7%, and 9.2%, respectively.

Nomenclature

A=

Area (m2)

E=

Economic

G=

Incident radiation (W/m2)

h=

Convective heat transfer coefficient (W/m2K)

I=

Current (A)

T=

Temperature (◦C)

t=

Time (s)

V=

Voltage (V)

Wv=

Wind Velocity (m/s)

Wp=

Peak watt

Subscript=
air=

Ambient

bg=

Bottom glass

cell=

PV Cells

m=

Module

PV=

Photovoltaic

tg=

Top glass

Greek symbols=
η=

Efficiency

δ=

Uncertainty

=

Indian Rupees

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Veeramanikandan M

Veeramanikandan M graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Apollo Engineering College, Chennai, India, in 2014. He obtained his M.E in Thermal Engineering from Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College, Coimbatore, India, in 2016 and Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, India, in 2022. Currently, he is working as an Assistant Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Technology, Coimbatore. His current research areas include solar photovoltaic thermal systems, thermal energy storage and solar collectors.

Arjunan T V

Arjunan T V is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Guru Ghasidas Viswavidyalaya (Central University), Bilaspur (C.G). His active research areas include solar thermal applications, heat transfer, desalination, fluid mechanics, energy systems etc. He has vast experience in teaching and research for about 23 years during which he has developed many innovative solar thermal systems and supervised many research projects of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral theses. He has executed many sponsored projects, workshops/seminars and research projects worth more than 3 crores worth from various funding agencies.

Gunasekar N

Gunasekar N graduated in Mechanical Engineering from The Institution of Engineers (India) in 2003. He obtained his M.E in Thermal Engineering from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore in 2005 and Ph.D in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University in 2015. Presently, he is working as Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Sri Ramakrishna Engineering College from 2017. His current research areas include solar photovoltaic cells, solar desalination and IC Engines.

Rubesh Raja V

Rubesh Raja V graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Sona College of Technology, Salem, India, in 2011. He obtained his Master Degree in Engineering Design from Karpagam University, Coimbatore, India, in 2014. Currently, he is pursuing Ph.D (Full Time) at Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India. His area of research include Sloshing flows, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Energy Storage Systems, Fluid Structure Interactions.

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