Theoretical Analysis of Photovoltaic Panels Using a Spray Cooling System with a Shallow Geothermal Energy Heat Exchanger
Abstract
In this study, a cooling system integrated with a U-shape borehole heat exchanger (UBHE) is utilized to cool the PV panel. This cooling system sprays water on back of the panel, and a tank is used to reclaim cooling water. To enhance the cooling capacity, the recycle water is poured into the U-shaped borehole heat exchangers (UBHE) and dissipates heat to soil and groundwater. A theoretical model is built for evaluating the panel temperature and the cooling water temperature. This is model including three control volumes: the PV panel, the water tank, and the UBHE. Energy equation is used for each control volume, and this study applies the Euler method to calculated differential equations. Theoretical values and experimental results has same tendency. This study also carries out the analysis of economic feasibility. For a plant factory powered by 10 PV panels, for example, this cooling system can improve the efficiency of the panels about 14.3% compared with PV panels without cooling systems. Investment cost can be an be recovered in 8.7 years, meaning this cooling system is of great worth.