Concentrated photovoltaic systems are being widely investigated, aiming at improving the cost-efficiency balance in the solar energy field. An important issue is given by cell cooling, as the cell efficiency and stability typically decreases with temperature. On the other hand, the extracted heat can be recovered for cogeneration purposes (e.g., building heating), provided a suitable temperature is obtained. In order to find a viable compromise, it is crucial to introduce an efficient heat exchanger between the cell and the coolant fluid. In the present application, Comsol Multiphysics has been used to simulate the full 3D system provided by a solar cell coupled to a micro heat exchanger. The analysis includes both fluid dynamics (laminar regime) and heat transfer effects, also considering the thin insulating layers provided by the dielectric materials in the cell packaging. The resulting operating temperature and heat transfer performances of the system are calculated.
Solar Cell Cooling and Heat Recovery in a Concentrated Photovoltaic System
Cozzini, Marco
2012-01-01
Abstract
Concentrated photovoltaic systems are being widely investigated, aiming at improving the cost-efficiency balance in the solar energy field. An important issue is given by cell cooling, as the cell efficiency and stability typically decreases with temperature. On the other hand, the extracted heat can be recovered for cogeneration purposes (e.g., building heating), provided a suitable temperature is obtained. In order to find a viable compromise, it is crucial to introduce an efficient heat exchanger between the cell and the coolant fluid. In the present application, Comsol Multiphysics has been used to simulate the full 3D system provided by a solar cell coupled to a micro heat exchanger. The analysis includes both fluid dynamics (laminar regime) and heat transfer effects, also considering the thin insulating layers provided by the dielectric materials in the cell packaging. The resulting operating temperature and heat transfer performances of the system are calculated.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
