Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
18th International Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Conference, İstanbul, Türkiye, 26 - 28 Ağustos 2024, sa.123, ss.52
Photovoltaic (PV) technologies play a pivotal role in the global transition towards sustainable energy
sources, significantly contributing to the energy supply. However, the efficiency of PV panels
diminishes with increased operating temperatures, necessitating effective thermal management
strategies to optimize performance [1]. Active cooling methods, such as forced air cooling and liquid
cooling, have been explored to maintain optimal temperatures [2,3]. Among these, the use of nanofluids
as coolants has emerged as a promising approach due to their superior thermal properties [4,5].
Ferrofluids, a type of nanofluid, have shown the potential to provide high heat transfer performance at
low flow rates when exposed to magnetic fields, potentially leading to more efficient thermal
management solutions. Despite their potential, further investigations and improvements are needed in
the stability and practical application of ferrofluids as coolants.
In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to explore the benefits of ferrofluid in the
thermal management of PV panels. In this regard, several rectangular aluminum channels were
integrated at the back of the PV panel to circulate the nanofluid, ensuring optimal contact between the
PV panel and the cooling channels. A water-based ferrofluid with a 0.5% volume ratio of Fe3O4
nanoparticles was employed as the nanofluid. Experiments were conducted in a laboratory setting under
constant 1000 W/m2 irradiation and a 25°C ambient temperature, with three different flow rates tested
both in the presence and absence of a magnetic field. The results were compared with water as a
conventional coolant. Additionally, the pressure difference across each channel was measured to
determine the pressure loss induced by the ferrofluid and the influence of the magnetic field. The
findings demonstrate the remarkable potential of ferrofluids in enhancing PV panel cooling efficiency,
highlighting the advantages and challenges associated with their implementation.