Hello solar enthusiasts, I’ve got some interesting updates for you!
One of the exciting developments recently caught my attention in the solar industry, revolving around a new solar module cooling tech designed by scientists in Mexico. The brilliance of this system lies in its innovative use of nanofluids, which are said to improve Photovoltaic (PV) power generation by up to an impressive 2%. This significant increase might seem a small digit, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s indeed a considerable step forward for solar companies around the world.
So, how does this system work?
The researchers from UNISON and the National Technological Institute of Mexico have developed a single-channel cooling system to help solar panels for your home perform better. In this system, nanofluids, including aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), copper(II) oxide (CuO), and zinc oxide (ZnO), are used. These are embedded in an aluminum single-channel attached to the back of the solar panel.
You might wonder what’s the role of these nanofluids? Good question! They act as cooling fluids enhancing the solar array for home by removing heat more effectively. Added to this are the structures called baffles that are placed inside the cooling channel. These are inclined at 45 degrees, and they improve heat removal by guiding the nanofluid to make better contact with the back of the panel.
The model consists of the five layers that typically make up a 13%-efficient photovoltaic panel. These are – glass, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), solar cell, tedlar, and thermal paste. The aluminum channel, through which the nanofluid or pure water circulates, is incorporated within this arrangement.
The research uncovered that the nanofluid composed of CuO proved to be the most effective, improving the efficiency by over 5% compared to pure water in the lowest Reynolds number range. This study showed that the new cooling system increases electrical efficiency by redirecting and accelerating fluid flow, making your solar array for home more effective.
The addition of baffles and different nanofluids in the PV systems proves to be an ingenious strategy to maximize the output of your home’s solar array. This is a concrete demonstration of innovation stepping in to optimize your solar panels for your home and help you reap even better returns from your solar power system.
So, next time you’re considering solar companies for a fresh installation or upgrades, remember this advanced technology. Leveraging such developments can get you more bang for your buck and make your contribution to a sustainable future even more significant.
Stay tuned for more updates on such fascinating and beneficial advancements in the solar industry!
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/08/21/pv-module-cooling-tech-based-on-single-channel-containing-nanofluids/
