Performance Investigation of Photovoltaic Thermal System Incorporating Nano Coolant - Review

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) modules experience a reduction in electrical performance when their surface temperature rises beyond the recommended operating range. Most of the incident solar energy is converted into heat rather than electricity, leading to efficiency loss and reduced panel life. This project investigates a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system using nano-coolant-based cooling to regulate PV surface temperature and enhance overall performance. Experimental studies were carried out under outdoor conditions to evaluate the effect of cooling on voltage, current, power output, and electrical efficiency. The results demonstrate that controlled cooling significantly reduces panel temperature, improves voltage output, and increases electrical efficiency compared to a conventional PV system. The proposed approach offers an effective solution for performance enhancement and thermal management of solar panels.

Introduction

The growing demand for energy, depletion of fossil fuels, and environmental concerns have increased the need for renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, which is clean, abundant, and sustainable. Photovoltaic (PV) systems convert solar radiation into electrical energy, but their efficiency decreases as the panel temperature rises, leading to lower voltage output, reduced power generation, and shorter panel lifespan. To address this issue, photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems are used, which combine electrical power generation with thermal energy recovery. This project focuses on improving PVT system performance by using nano-coolant circulation to remove excess heat from PV panels.

The nano-coolant is prepared by mixing nanoparticles such as Al?O? (aluminum oxide) or CuO (copper oxide) with distilled water using a two-step method, involving stirring and ultrasonication to create a stable nanofluid. This nanofluid enhances heat transfer due to its higher thermal conductivity, helping to lower PV panel temperature and improve electrical efficiency.

Nano-coolants are important because they effectively remove excess heat, maintain optimal panel operating temperature, improve electrical efficiency, enhance heat transfer compared to regular water, and increase the overall performance and lifespan of PVT systems. Beyond solar systems, nanofluids are also used in industrial heat exchangers and boilers, automotive cooling systems, renewable energy technologies like solar collectors, and electronic cooling applications for devices such as computers and microchips.

The literature survey highlights several studies demonstrating the effectiveness of nanofluids in improving PV and PVT system performance. Researchers found that nanofluids such as Al?O?, CuO, graphene, and SiC significantly reduce panel temperature and increase both electrical and thermal efficiency compared to conventional cooling methods. For example, studies showed improvements in power output, electrical efficiency, and thermal efficiency when nanofluids were used. Some research also explored design improvements, such as adding fins in cooling ducts or optimizing flow rates, which further enhanced heat removal and system performance.

Conclusion

From the reviewed studies, it is clear that using nanofluids is an effective way to cool solar panels and improve their performance. Nanoparticles like Al?O?, CuO, SiC, and graphene help reduce panel temperature, which increases electrical efficiency and overall energy output. Proper fin design and the right nanoparticle concentration further improve heat removal. Overall, combining nanofluid cooling with good thermal design is a simple and practical way to enhance solar system efficiency, especially in hot climates.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Nitin Patil, Salman Shaikh, Akshay Jadhav, Nikhil Patil, Mr. Pravin Thorat. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.