The Efects of TiO2 Nanofluid on Efficiency and Heat Transfer Indicators of an Inner-Plate Finned Collective Cooling in a PV/T Hybrid System

In this study, three different ceramic nanoparticles of TiO2 were turned into nanofluids in certain weight ratios of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%. The obtained nanofluids were used for cooling of PV panels in a collective cooling PV/T hybrid system in which the surface of cooling area was enlarged by the inner plate fins. The effect of nanofluids consisting of aluminum plate fin and water and different amounts of TiO2 nanoparticles on cooling was investigated in order to reduce the rising temperature of PV cells with solar radiation and to increase the module efficiency. Compared to the finless-uncooled panel, higher electrical efficiency was obtained in every 3 percentages (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6% by weight) of the TiO2-water nanofluid cooled panels. At a rate of 0.2%, the maximum electrical efficiency rating was attained. At a rate of 0.6%, the lowest electrical efficiency rating was attained. Heat transfer coefficients of nanofluids are higher than that of water and besides the surface area of the cooling was enlarged by the fins, accordingly, both applications increase the more heat transfer from the panels and reduce panel temperature, thus increase the PV panel efficiencies.