Thermal Control of Photovoltaic Modules: Selective Films and Water Cooling

The thermal behaviour of a photovoltaic panel in three different locations (Bari, Italy; Cairo, Egypt; Copenhagen, Denmark) was analysed. The simulation was performed under three calculation assumptions: 1. Module equipped with simple commercial anti-reflective film; 2. Module equipped with selective high emissivity film; 3. Water-cooled module with different storage volumes, that were applied to both types of modules previously studied. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of cooling through the adoption of a hydronic circuit, which enhances the module's annual energy performance by 11% in Cairo. This system, employing a 300 L water tank, significantly reduces the photovoltaic module's operating temperatures and generates useful thermal energy, which can be used for domestic hot water production, covering 98% of the annual energy demand.