On the use of a novel recuperative nanofluid heat transfer methodology for improving photovoltaic output power in residential and industrial applications

Since there has been an increase in the price of petroleum, there has been an increased need for photovoltaic systems over the last two decades. An increased number of private citizens are attracted to photovoltaic (PV) power as a viable source of independent renewable energy. Presently there is a mandate to continually improve the performance of the PV panels to maintain sustainability and to develop next generation PV systems.;Most PV manufacturers state specifications of PV panels in terms of standard testing condition (STC) of 25º C or 77º F. However, many panels are operated in environments where temperatures are well above the level of STC reaching as high as 180º F (76º C). This has been shown to reduce the solar panel energy conversion, particularly the power output of the panels. To date literature has shown that the use of two cooling methods, water and ambient air to remove heat from the panels has proven minimally effective.;This research proposes a method of heat reduction employing a recuperative nanofluid heat transfer system. The system employs a labyrinth of nanofluid filled tubes along the back of the PV panel. Through a field experiment, four combinations of a copper nanofluid combinations acting as a heat transfer medium were employed to remove the excess heat incident on four experimental units. The removal of heat from the solar panels to reservoirs simulating a domestic or industrial water heater simultaneously reduced the temperature of the panel to promote increased power output as well as water heating.;The analysis of the data showed an average increase in reservoir temperature of 25º F. An analysis showed that the proposed system is more economical than either standard PV systems or the use of municipal utilities. The hope is that the proposed system will reduce the average citizen's energy cost by at least 30 percent as well as enable private citizens and some industries to operate independent of the utility grid.