Efficiency Enhancement of Photovoltaic/Thermal Module Using Front Surface Cooling Technique in Winter and Summer Seasons: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract

This paper presents the effect of the front surface water cooling on performance parameters (solar cell temperature, back surface temperature, outlet water temperature, electrical efficiency, overall efficiency, etc.) of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) module in both winter and summer seasons in Indian climatic conditions. A mathematical model of PV/T module considering energy balance equations has also been presented. A comparative analysis of performance parameters obtained analytically and experimentally has also been presented. A fair agreement has also been found between analytical and experimental results which is supported by correlation coefficient of approximately unity and root mean square error of 10–14%. By front surface water cooling, solar cell and back surface temperature of PV/T module have been found to decrease considerably which in turn resulted in enhanced electrical and overall efficiency of module in winter and summer seasons.