Enhancing the cooling effectiveness of concentrated photovoltaic systems using polyethylene terephthalate

Abstract

Concentrated photovoltaic systems convert solar energy into electrical and thermal energy, making effective cooling crucial for optimizing performance and preventing cell damage. This study aimed to enhance both electrical and thermal efficiency while protecting cells from heat damage by incorporating polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into conventional channels with aspect ratios of 25 and 30. Numerical simulations using FORTRAN evaluated the system's efficiency, and an economic analysis assessed how PET costs affected the levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The research focused on the optimal position and height of PET, as well as the influence of the incidence heat flux angle on efficiency. Results showed that adjusting PET height and position significantly improved CPV system performance, with peak thermal and electrical efficiencies of 64.9% and 9.72%, respectively, achieved at a Reynolds number of 1500 and an aspect ratio of 30. Increasing the aspect ratio and incidence heat flux angle further enhanced efficiency, with optimal results at an incidence heat flux angle 35° and an aspect ratio of 30. Additionally, PET reduced the LCOE compared to other materials, thereby lowering overall cooling system costs.