Investigation of the Thermal Performance of Water and Aluminum Oxide Nanofluid as a Coolant for Solar Panels

Abstract

A solar panel, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) panel, converts photons from sunlight into usable energy. However, panel warming during the day limits voltage production and results in energy-electricity waste. The efficiency of this PV panel's cooling system utilizing water and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanofluid was simulated and assessed using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). This research examines the thermal performance of temperature differences between uncooled, water-cooled, and Al₂O₃ nanofluid-cooled solar panels. To find the lowest temperature of the solar panel achieved, the mass flow rates of coolants (16.5, 33, 66, and 99 L/h) and inlet coolant temperatures (20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C) were varied. Al2O3 nanofluid-cooled solar panels at the maximum flow rate and the lowest inlet coolant temperature, 99 L/h and 20℃, respectively, promised the minimum solar panel temperature, which is critical for energy storage. Furthermore, the use of nanofluid coolant assisted in the reduction of 41 to 60% of solar panel temperature. These results shed insight into the capabilities of nanofluid in the coolant system.