A detailed mathematical modelling and experimental validation of top water cooled solar PV module

Abstract

In this research article, an analytical model has been developed to examine the electrical and thermal behaviour of a solar photovoltaic module with top water cooling. Mathematical calculations have been performed under India, Chennai (latitude: 13.06° N and longitude: 80.11° E) prevailing weather conditions. Three modes of heat transfer mechanisms are considered in the thermal model and computed using improved correlations. The model validation against the experimental data exhibited a good agreement. Daily average electrical and overall thermal efficiency of a PV module with top water flow have been found to be 14.29% and 45.44% respectively. Water flows on top side of the PV module decreases the average module temperature of a day from 56.67°C to 39.44°C, and the average daily module electrical efficiency is increased up to 14.29%, compared to 12.74% efficiency of PV module without cooling.