Enhancing solar panel efficiency using parallel perforated fin-based passive cooling: a simulation study

The increasing reliance on solar photovoltaic (PV) systems necessitates effective thermal management strategies to counteract efficiency degradation caused by elevated module operating temperatures. While previous investigations have explored solid parallel fins for passive cooling, the application of perforated parallel fins remains less studied. This research addresses this gap by numerically investigating the performance of perforated parallel fins as a passive cooling solution for monocrystalline solar panels. The primary objective is to enhance heat dissipation and mitigate stagnation zones. A 36-cell PV module, both with and without fin configurations, was modeled using SolidWorks and subjected to fluid flow analysis via the Flow Simulation library. The study systematically explored five variations of

perforated fins, differing in perforation diameter, count, and geometry, and compared their performance against solid fin designs. Furthermore, the influence of various fin materials, including aluminum, copper, and stainless steel, on thermal performance was evaluated. Simulation outcomes were rigorously validated against a theoretical model and empirical field data. Key findings indicate that 10mm diameter circular perforated fins arranged in a 9×10 array achieved the lowest average module temperature of 59.79 °C, corresponding to a −9.8% power efficiency loss. This configuration significantly outperformed solid fins, which resulted in 56 °C and a −12% loss. Copper fins demonstrated superior thermal conductivity, while aluminum offered an optimal balance of conductivity and weight. This

study provides valuable insights into optimizing passive cooling for PV systems.

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