Improvement of Photovoltaic Module Efficiency using Spiral Absorber and Water

Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation intended to improve the power output of a photovoltaic (PV) module using a spiral absorber and water as coolants. This cooling system, known as a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) water collector, can generate thermal (hot water) and electrical energy simultaneously. Results show that by adding coolants, the maximum power and open circuit voltages are improved; hence, the output power also increases. In addition, the power generated increases with the addition of solar radiation, and PV module efficiency becomes slightly higher than that of the PV module without cooling. The electrical characteristics of the PV module are represented by plotted current–voltage and power–voltage curves.