Researchers from the University of Manchester, Politeknik Negeri Semarang, Israel Institute of Technology, and Khalifa University investigated floating photovoltaic (FPV) panels with natural convection cooling loops. Using a two-dimensional multi-physics numerical model, they analyzed thermal performance with pure water and 5.3 ppm Ag-water nanofluid as coolants. Pure water achieved an electrical efficiency of 15.45%, outperforming Ag-water nanofluid at 15.08% and standard FPV panels without cooling at 14.98%. The superior efficiency of pure water was due to its higher transmissivity in the critical wavelength range of 325–1125 nm, while Ag-water nanofluid reduced temperatures more effectively. The study also highlighted that coolant channel thickness impacts buoyancy-driven flow rates and panel temperature, emphasizing the importance of both thermal management and spectral transmissivity in improving FPV efficiency.
Research explores cooling systems for floating solar panels
Pure water outperformed Ag-water nanofluid in efficiency due to superior light transmissivity, despite lower cooling effectiveness. (Image Source: ScienceDirect)
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