Effect of mounting geometry on convection occurring under a photovoltaic panel and the corresponding efficiency using CFD

Wilson, M.J. and Paul, M.C. (2011) Effect of mounting geometry on convection occurring under a photovoltaic panel and the corresponding efficiency using CFD. Solar Energy, 85(10), pp. 2540-2550. (doi: 10.1016/j.solener.2011.07.013)

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Abstract

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to model experimental data corresponding to convection occurring under a photovoltaic (PV) panel. Further experimental data is used to validate the model where the satisfactory agreement is received. A standardised condition is set up to allow the effect of varying three geometric parameters to be examined. These are the air gap height (10–500 mm), air gap orientation angle (0–90° from the horizontal) and fluid velocity magnitude (0–3 m/s). The optimum mounting conditions for the PV panel is obtained and maximised electrical efficiency found to favour angles greater than 50° and air gap heights that give an aspect ratio of 60. Mixed convection opposed to natural convection is found to be more effective, with greater efficiencies obtained for larger fluid velocities.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:NOTICE: this is the author's version of a work that was accepted for publication in Solar Energy. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Solar Energy, [85, 10, (2011] DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2011.07.013
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Paul, Professor Manosh
Authors: Wilson, M.J., and Paul, M.C.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Solar Energy
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0038-092X
Published Online:25 August 2011
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2011 Elsevier
First Published:First published in Solar Energy 85(10):2540-2550
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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