Title: Improving photovoltaic panel performance using a flipping technique - analysis and feasibility study

Authors: Ahmad El Mais; Mohamad Abou Akrouch; Mohamad Hawa; Farouk Hachem; Mohamad Ramadan; Mahmoud Khaled

Addresses: Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon ' Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon ' Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon ' Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon ' Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon ' Energy and Thermofluid Group, International University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Energy and Thermofluid Group, Lebanese International University, Bekaa, Lebanon

Abstract: Scientists all over the world are striving to improve the efficiency of the photovoltaic panel by many different techniques to maintain its temperature in the range of PV operation. In this paper a new technique of cooling photovoltaic panels PVs is suggested and investigated theoretically based on experimental behaviour obtained for a single PV panel. This technique is based on a flipping method consisting of two PV panels A and B installed at the opposite direction of each other. Initially Panel A is active, after certain time when the temperature of panel A increases above a prescribed limit, the system rotates the panels to become panel B the active panel. This technique is based on previous experiment and studied at two different flipping temperatures (36°C, 42°C). Results showed that as the flipping temperature decrease, the operating temperature of the PV will decrease, which results in higher power generation. There is a significant enhancement in the power per unit area that can be a solution for using PVs in restricted areas.

Keywords: solar energy; PV panel; flipping technique; enhancement; efficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRET.2019.102856

International Journal of Renewable Energy Technology, 2019 Vol.10 No.4, pp.315 - 327

Received: 12 Sep 2018
Accepted: 07 Mar 2019

Published online: 08 Oct 2019 *

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