Experimental evaluation of vortex generators for enhancing solar photovoltaic panel performance with parabolic reflectors

Abstract

This study presents an experimental investigation into the impact of vortex generators (VGs) on the productivity of a CPVT (concentrated photovoltaic thermal) system. The CPVT system was tested using a single-axis solar tracking mechanism and a parabolic solar collector that concentrated solar radiation onto a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) module. The cooling system utilized water, and two different geometries—one without VGs and one with VGs—were tested across various flow rates to assess their influence on system performance. The CPVT system consisted of eight monocrystalline solar modules interconnected in parallel to maximize energy collection. The experiments were conducted in Najaf, Iraq, on July 27, 28, 30, 31, and August 2, 2023. Data collection was carried out at 20-min intervals from 10:20 to 14:00 on each test day. Environmental conditions were carefully monitored and recorded using precise measurement instruments. Key performance indicators, such as electrical and thermal efficiencies, were analyzed at various times throughout the day. The results revealed that enhancing the cooling of the solar cells significantly improved their power production capabilities and longevity. Given Iraq's hot climate, where temperatures can reach extreme levels, effective cooling is crucial to prevent long-term damage to the solar cells. The study found that increasing the coolant flow rate led to a significant improvement in thermal efficiency, with an average enhancement of 22.07 %. The introduction of VGs resulted in substantial gains, with average thermal efficiency increasing by 15 % and electrical efficiency by 23 %. The overall efficiencies of the CPVT systems were recorded as 64.31 % without VGs and 74.81 % with VGs, highlighting a marked improvement in performance due to the incorporation of VGs. This study emphasizes the critical role of effective thermal management in CPVT systems, particularly in hot climates, where the risk of thermal degradation is high.