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Abstract
The electrical efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) modules strongly depends on the module surface temperature, and an increase in temperature reduces power generation. Therefore, enhancing heat transfer by cooling PV modules with water is an important approach for improving their operational performance.
Materials and MethodsA mathematical model describing the heat transfer processes of a photovoltaic module cooled by water on its external surface was developed. The model was based on energy balance equations, and numerical simulations were performed to evaluate the thermal behavior of the cooling system.
ResultsThe simulation results showed that increasing the cooling water flow rate to 0.01–0.05 kg/s reduced the coolant temperature by 5–8 °C, while the module temperature stabilized within 40–60 s. Increasing the water flow rate from 0.005 kg/s to 0.02 kg/s improved the electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic module by approximately 2.0–2.5%.
ConclusionWater cooling effectively reduces the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules and enhances electrical power generation efficiency. The proposed approach offers a practical solution for improving the energy performance and operational reliability of photovoltaic systems.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Ibragimov, U.X., Xolmatov, F.T. (Muallif)