Steady State Thermal Analysis of Thermo Siphon Heat Pipe Photovoltaic Panel Cooling Mechanism

Photovoltaic panels are designed to produce optimum power output only below a particular temperature which is called the nominal operating cell temperature. Higher operating temperatures of the photovoltaic panels have an adverse impact on the power output and efficiency. This is because of the predominant increase in the resistance to the current generated inside the photovoltaic cells which results in reduction of the power output. Temperature rise of photovoltaic panels due to high solar radiation intensity and ambient temperature is the problem discussed in this paper. Among various methods currently suggested and tested by researchers worldwide, thermo siphon heat pipe cooling mechanism is a feasible and low cost option. This method can be applied to both concentrating and non concentrating photovoltaic panels. The mechanism used for implementing this method of cooling is described. The effect of cooling on the panel temperature and the consequent rise in the power output and the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel is analyzed with the help of a simulation using ANSYS steady state thermal package. The results of using different phase change temperatures in the thermo siphon cooling mechanism are analyzed.