International Journal of Energy Research, Vol.45, No.2, 2959-2979, 2021
Performance enhancement of concentrator photovoltaic systems using nanofluids
In the current study, a newly developed low photovoltaic concentrator (LCPV) equipped with nanofluid-based cooling channels, directly contacting the rare LCPV, was examined in detail. Nanofluid acts as a coolant that flowing over the back of LCPV to maintain its optimal operating temperature with the best overall performance. The coolants used are water and aluminum oxide (Al2O3)/water nanofluids 1%, 2%, and 3% by volume concentration. When circulating a 3%-Al2O3/water nanofluid, the temperature of the LCPV module is dropped by 16.47 degrees C compared to the uncooled module and keeps its operating temperature under 45 degrees C during the experimental tests. This reduction in the LCPV module temperature with V-trough reflector mirrors in turn increased its performance. The results revealed that the daily electrical output power of the uncooled LCPV module was 1646.85 W, whereas, was 1870.55 W with (13.58%) improvement with the case of water cooling. However, cooling with 3%-Al2O3/water nanofluid, the power output of the LPVC was 2319.88 W with (24.02%) and (40.86%) enhancement compared to pure water cooling and without cooling respectively. The rise in the volume fraction ratio of Al(2)O(3)nanoparticles remarkably decreases the operating temperature of the LCPV module and improves both electrical and thermal efficiency.