Experimental Investigation of the Use of Al2O3 Nanofluid in the Heat Pipe for Passive Cooling of the Photovoltaic Panel

Abstract

As the world population gradually increases, the energy needed also increases. Depending on
this increasing need, it is necessary to diversify energy production and use existing energy resources more
efficiently. Solar energy is one of the most significant energy conversion sources, which is electrical energy
obtained by utilising solar energy in PV panels. In addition, some of the energy is lost and transformed into
heat energy. Active and passive cooling applications are applied on the PV panel to reduce the lost heat
energy. This study involved a passive cooling technique for the PV panel. A thermosyphon-type heat pipe
was used as a passive cooler. In addition to the reference case, the effect of three different Al2O3 nanofluids
at 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight, considered fluids in the heat pipe, was observed. In experiments conducted
with solar simulation, the effect of passive cooling was examined for 120 minutes. Compared to the
reference condition, front surface temperatures of approximately 17 C, 13 C and 11 C lower were
measured for AL1, AL2 and AL3, respectively. In terms of efficiency, an increase of approximately 7% in
AL1, 5% in AL2, and 1% in AL3 compared to the reference situation was achieved. When the voltage
amounts are compared, while 10.305 V is produced in the reference condition, the average voltage amounts
produced for AL1, AL2 and AL3 are 9.805 V, 10.625 V and 10.485 V, respectively.