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Enhanced heat transfer performance of concentrated photovoltaic system through liquid spray cooling

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  • Chen, Haifei
  • Liu, Yanyan
  • Cui, Yongsheng
  • Zhao, Yanglong
  • Hong, Tao
  • Ma, Jiaxin

Abstract

The concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) technology can significantly enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency. However, the high thermal flux density leads to overheating of photovoltaic (PV) cells, resulting in a reduction in overall utilization efficiency. Consequently, there are stringent requirements for cooling technologies. Among these, spray cooling is recognized as one of the most promising and efficient methods. To achieve enhanced heat transfer, this study combines spray cooling with advanced surface technologies. The research investigates the heat transfer mechanisms of two types of enhanced surface structures: straight channel and vertical configurations. The research findings indicate that the heat transfer performance is optimal when both the height of the two types and the width of the flow channel are set at 0.6 mm. Under a concentration ratio of 500 times, the cell temperature can be maintained below 40 °C, while the efficiency remains above 29 %. The flow characteristics of the working fluid are proportional to the surface structure enhancement, while they are directly proportional to the channel width. The dimensionless parameter α is introduced to characterize the relationship between the heat transfer area and the flow channel area. Furthermore, a dimensional analysis method is employed to derive a correlation for heat transfer enhancement.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Haifei & Liu, Yanyan & Cui, Yongsheng & Zhao, Yanglong & Hong, Tao & Ma, Jiaxin, 2025. "Enhanced heat transfer performance of concentrated photovoltaic system through liquid spray cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 329(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:329:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225024326
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.136790
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    References listed on IDEAS

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