Enhanced heat dissipation of V-trough PV modules for better performance

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2008-12, Vol.92 (12), p.1634-1638
• Main Authors: Solanki, C.S., Sangani, C.S., Gunashekar, D., Antony, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2 Suns; Applied sciences; Concentrator module; Energy; Equipments, installations and applications; Exact sciences and technology; Heat dissipation; Natural energy; Photovoltaic conversion; Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells; Solar energy
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2008.07.022

A concentrator photovoltaic (PV) module, in which solar cells are integrated in V-troughs, is designed for better heat dissipation. All channels in the V-trough channels are made using thin single Al metal sheet to achieve better heat dissipation from the cells under concentration. Six PV module strips each containing single row of 6 mono-crystalline Si cells are fabricated and mounted in 6 V-trough channels to get concentrator V-trough PV module of 36 cells with maximum power point under standard test condition (STC) of 44.5 W. The V-trough walls are used for light concentration as well as heat dissipation from the cells which provides 4 times higher heat dissipation area than the case when V-trough walls are not used for cooling. The cell temperature in the V-trough module remains nearly same as that in a flat plate PV module, despite light concentration. The controlled temperature and increased current density in concentrator V-trough cells results in higher V oc of the module.