Thermal management of solar PV module to Enhance Power Output Performance

Abstract

This study focuses on the thermal management of photovoltaic (PV) modules in hot climates, with a specific focus on the Ouargla region in southern Algeria, where high ambient temperatures significantly reduce PV efficiency and system longevity. The core problem addressed is the accumulation of heat in PV panels, which can result in power losses of up to 25% due to the negative temperature coefficient of silicon solar cells. The objective of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness of a passive cooling technique using aluminum heat sinks mounted on the rear side of PV modules to reduce their operating temperature and improve electrical performance under real-world conditions. An experimental setup was designed and implemented, involving two identical polycrystalline PV modules—one equipped with heat sinks and the other serving as a reference without cooling. Thermocouples were installed on both modules to monitor surface temperature, and identical resistive loads were connected. Data were collected over three days (April 28, April 29, and May 1, 2025) under varying meteorological conditions (sunny and partly cloudy). The cooled panel consistently operated at 6°C to 10°C lower than the uncooled panel, with the maximum recorded temperature difference reaching 10.5°C under clear skies. The cooled panel also showed an increase in output power of up to 12% and an average improvement in electrical efficiency between 8% and 10%. Notably, the cooling system required no external energy, making it both passive and cost-effective. Furthermore, wind presence contributed to enhanced heat dissipation, especially at speeds above 3.5 m/s. In conclusion, the use of passive aluminum heat sinks significantly improved PV module performance in high-temperature environments. This simple and affordable method is suitable for large-scale applications in arid and semi-arid regions like southern Algeria, contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable solar energy systems.