Experimental evaluation of photovoltaic performance utilizing a novel evaporative cooling method

A novel evaporative cooling design has been proposed and examined in hot climate conditions to enhance the electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic systems. The system has evaporative cooling positioned vertically behind the photovoltaic panel’s rear. The system is effective, economical, and easy to install. The study examined forced evaporative cooling on August 5, 6, 8, and 16, and natural evaporative cooling on July 27, 28, and 31. The findings demonstrated a notable reduction in photovoltaic panel temperature. The mean reduction in photovoltaic panel temperature through natural evaporative cooling was 3.98 °C, 3.74 °C, and 2.79 °C on the corresponding test days in July, respectively. Furthermore, by using forced evaporative cooling, the mean reduction in photovoltaic temperature was 7.07 °C, 8.44 °C, 7.65 °C, and 5.78 °C on the test days in August, respectively. The photovoltaic electrical efficiency improved by around 2.96%, 2.06%, and 2.05% on natural evaporative cooling days, respectively, and by about 3.77%, 4.33%, 4.62%, and 5.10% on forced evaporative cooling days, respectively. The cooling system lowers the PV panel surface temperature by promoting water evaporation, which reduces thermal stress and internal resistance in the solar cells, thereby enhancing electrical efficiency.