Simulation of CuO-water nanofluid flow for cooling of solar photovoltaic module

Abstract

The importance of studying photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems is underscored by their potential to harness both solar thermal and photovoltaic energy simultaneously, making them a promising avenue for sustainable power generation. The integration of a PVT system allows for enhanced energy conversion and utilization of available resources. In the context of the broader field of renewable energy, understanding and optimizing PVT systems contribute to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly power generation solutions. The introduction of CuO nanoparticles proves beneficial, contributing to an overall improvement in system performance. Throughout this exploration, the aim is to provide insights into the intricate dynamics of PVT systems under varying conditions, emphasizing the impact of key parameters on system efficiency and performance. Examining PVT systems, this study focuses on a rectangular duct equipped with a turbulator featuring rectangular cuts. The simulation considers the flow of CuO-H₂O within the channel and accounts for pure conduction within the layers, employing the finite volume method with a validation test for accuracy. The mesh size has been optimized for computational efficiency. In this context, the study investigates variations in cell temperature (T_PV) and efficiency components (electrical (η_PV), thermal (η_th), overall (η_PVT)) concerning key variables: wind speed (V_w (0.4, 1, 1.4 m/s)), incident irradiation (G (730, 830, 930 W/m²)), inlet velocity (0.08, 0.1, 0.12 m/s), volume fraction of CuO (ϕ = 0, 0.018). Introducing the turbulator improves T_PV uniformity by about 20.43%. With increased incident irradiation in the presence of the turbulator, η_PV, η_th, and η_PVT values enhance by approximately 1.02%, 8.18%, and 4.99%, respectively. Specifically, at G = 930 W/m², the turbulator installation leads to a 4.35% increase in η_PVT. However, certain variables demonstrate contrasting effects. Increased wind speed results in a 3.63% decrease in η_PVT for tubes equipped with a turbulator. Conversely, intensifying the inlet velocity leads to an augmentation of η_PVT by around 3.19%, coupled with a notable 16.34% improvement in the uniformity of T_PV.

Keywords:

• CuO-water nanofluid
• electrical performance
• photovoltaic solar system
• turbulator with rectangular-cuts
• uniformity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.