Combined Effect of Collector Design and Nanofluid on the Photovoltaic/thermal System Cooling under Hot Summer Iraqi Conditions

Authors

Hussain M. Hamed, College of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a street, 10066 Baghdad, Iraq AND Petroleum Engineering Dept., University of Misan, Misan-IraqFollow
Sattar Aljabair, College of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a street, 10066 Baghdad, Iraq
Ahmed A. Imrana, College of Mechanical Engineering, University of Technology-Iraq, Alsina’a street, 10066 Baghdad, Iraq

Abstract

The operation of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems is highly susceptible to the operating temperature of the photovoltaic (PV) panel, as elevated temperatures significantly reduce electrical efficiency and overall system performance. To address this critical issue, a PV/T system incorporating a serpentine channel with fins was carefully designed and experimentally tested using water and Al₂O₃/water nanofluids at 0.25 and 0.5%. The system’s thermal, electrical, and exergy efficiencies were systematically evaluated under different cooling conditions, along with detailed analyses of entropy generation and exergy losses. Experimental results indicated that electrical efficiency improved by 12.4, 16.1, and 22.2% when using water, 0.25, and 0.5% nanofluids, respectively, compared to a reference PV panel without cooling. Similarly, thermal efficiency increased by 41.9, 46.1, and 49.2% under the same conditions. Moreover, exergy analysis revealed that at the highest nanofluid concentration, the electrical and thermal exergy efficiencies improved by 4.7 and 13.8%, respectively. These enhancements are attributed to the superior thermal conductivity and improved heat transfer of the Al₂O₃ nanoparticles suspended in the base fluid. Incorporating a serpentine finned channel promoted uniform fluid distribution and effective heat extraction across the PV panel. Additionally, nanofluids helped reduce thermal resistance, ensuring better cooling even under high solar irradiance. Overall, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of nanofluid-based cooling, especially when combined with an optimized fin structure, in enhancing the energy and exergy performance of PV/T systems, offering valuable insights for future solar energy designs.

Recommended Citation

Hamed, Hussain M.; Aljabair, Sattar; and Imrana, Ahmed A. (2026) "Combined Effect of Collector Design and Nanofluid on the Photovoltaic/thermal System Cooling under Hot Summer Iraqi Conditions," Engineering and Technology Journal: Vol. 44: Iss. 1, Article 4.