Cooling technologies for enhancing photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) performance: a state of the art

Although photovoltaic cells are good technology that converts sunlight into electricity, it suffers from low efficiency in hot weather conditions. Photovoltaic-thermal technologies (PV/T) have addressed the problem of overheating PV cells utilizing several cooling methods. These technologies can improve the electrical efficiency of PV cells and provide thermal energy simultaneously. This work presents an updated review of the most critical PV cooling technologies and their impact on electrical and thermal efficiency, in addition to the performance formulas for each technology. An analytical comparison of the results of the studies conducted on each technique is presented to determine the best performance obtained. The strengths and weaknesses are presented and the most effective techniques that can be relied upon to develop and popularize PV systems in the future.

Automated summary

Photovoltaic-thermal technologies have addressed the issue of low efficiency in hot weather conditions, improving electrical efficiency and providing thermal energy. Analyzing the performance formulas for each cooling technology can help determine the most effective techniques for developing and popularizing PV systems in the future.