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A novel isothermal cooling design for enhanced thermal performance of concentrated photovoltaics

Author

Listed:
  • Yawar, Arsalan
  • Mohammadpour, Javad
  • Ansari, Danish
  • Duwig, Christophe
  • Bhandari, Vivek
  • Salehi, Fatemeh

Abstract

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) systems are a promising technology for high-efficiency renewable solar power generation, but their performance is limited by severe temperature non-uniformity under conventional liquid cooling. This study introduces a novel isothermal cooling system based on a double-layered heat sink with a counter-current split-flow arrangement and teardrop-shaped pin-fins. Unlike conventional cooling methods, the proposed system is specifically engineered for an isothermal temperature distribution while simultaneously reducing pumping power. A comprehensive parametric investigation examines the influence of splitting plate thickness, placement, and mass flow rate distribution. Results show that teardrop-shaped pin-fins achieve similar thermal regulation to circular fins but with significantly lower hydraulic losses, while central placement of the splitting plate enhances temperature uniformity. Optimization of the flow distribution reduces the maximum CPV cell temperature to 50 °C, achieving a 10.5 % improvement over the base case. By addressing both thermal non-uniformity and energy consumption, this work provides a new pathway for reliable, high-efficiency CPV operation, advancing the transition to affordable and sustainable solar energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Yawar, Arsalan & Mohammadpour, Javad & Ansari, Danish & Duwig, Christophe & Bhandari, Vivek & Salehi, Fatemeh, 2026. "A novel isothermal cooling design for enhanced thermal performance of concentrated photovoltaics," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:257:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125024164
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124752
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