Enhancing Photovoltaic Panels Passive Heat Dissipation through Fin Parameter Optimization

Abstract

The magnitude of heat developed during the operation of photovoltaic (PV) panels greatly affects their efficiency because higher temperatures decrease their power output and lifespan. This study explains the active and passive cooling techniques for PV cells by fin parameter optimisation of heat dissipation. Computations were performed using CFD to compare the performance of three fin types: rectangular, trapezoidal, and triangular. The research considered the configuration parameters of the size of fins, thickness, and spacing to determine their effects on the enhancement in cooling with efficiency. Of these analyzed configurations, trapezoidal fins showed better cooling performance, followed by triangular and then rectangular fins. The results thus point to the tremendous potential that optimized passive cooling techniques have in enhancing the thermal management and efficiency of photovoltaic panels, thereby making solar energy a more sustainable and efficient tool in fulfilling global demands.