A Thermal Model to Estimate PV Electrical Power and Temperature Profile along Panel Thickness

Francesco Nicoletti (), Mario Antonio Cucumo, Vittorio Ferraro, Dimitrios Kaliakatsos and Albino Gigliotti
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Francesco Nicoletti: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Mario Antonio Cucumo: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Vittorio Ferraro: Computer, Modelling, Electronics and System Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Dimitrios Kaliakatsos: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Albino Gigliotti: Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering Department, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 20, 1-17

Abstract: The production of electricity from photovoltaic panels has experienced significant developments. To manage the energy flows introduced into the electricity grid, it is necessary to estimate the productivity of PV panels under the climatic conditions. In this study, a photovoltaic panel is modelled from thermal and electrical points of view to evaluate electrical performance and identify the temperature distribution in the layers. The analysis performed is time dependent and the problem is solved using the finite difference technique. A methodology is introduced to estimate the cloudiness of the sky, which affects radiative heat exchange. The calculation method is validated using experimental data recorded in a laboratory of the University of Calabria. Temperature and electrical power are predicted with RMSE of 1.5–2.0 °C and NRMSE of 1.2–2.1%, respectively. The evaluation of the temperature profile inside the panel is essential to understand how heat is dissipated. The results show that the top surface (glass) is almost always colder than the back of the panel, despite being exposed to radiation. In addition, the upper surface dissipates more heat power than the lower one. Cooling systems, such as spray cooling, work better if they are installed on the back of the panel.

Keywords: thermal model; PV efficiency; heat dissipation; cloud cover; sky temperature (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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