PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT OF PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS THROUGH MITIGATION OF SURFACE TEMPERATURE COOLING AND DEBRIS REMOVAL

The photovoltaic (PV) power generation is an attractive renewable-energy option, which
does not involve moving parts and can be implemented with a minimal operation and
maintenance effort. The common problem which contribute to the reduction in the PV
energy conversion efficiency and subsequently records a low overall performance, apart
from high cloud coverage and high humidity levels, are surface temperatures and debris
deposition. The purpose of this project is to study the effects of surface temperature
cooling and debris deposition in order to optimise the performance of the PV panels.
Two different PV modules are used in this experiment; conventional module and module
with surface water cooling. The output variables to be compared with each module will
be the temperatures, relative humidity, currents and voltages. The selected approach is to
determine what factors affects the performance of the photovoltaic panels the most and
how it can be overcome in order to improve the system. The intended scope of this
project is to explore the studies carried out to improve the conversion efficiencies of
solar PV' s, in considering the thermal degradation due to the module surface
temperature and surface depositions.