A numerical modelling approach for the optimisation of photovoltaic installations in the mitigation of thermal effects

Abstract

Solar energy presents one of the best alternative sources of energy in the current bid to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming. The present study evaluated the influence of the installation configuration together with the meteorological parameters on the temperature characteristics of a solar photovoltaic array. Three dimensional simulation using Computational Fluid Dynamics was used in the numerical analysis of the temperature characteristics on solar PV arrays. The Shear Stress Transport k-ω model was employed to analyse the turbulent characteristics of the airstream near the photovoltaic array. A temperature prediction model was developed using Artificial Neural Networks and the model was found to be accurate with a coefficient of determination, R2 of 93.1 %. A Response Surface Methodology optimization model was developed to maximize energy generation while minimizing solar photovoltaic cell operating temperature. The models were able to reduce temperature and improve energy generated by a 3.9 %. The optimized tilt and azimuth angles were found to be 28.2o tilt and 13.2o, respectively, yielding an average cell temperature of 29.3 °C which gave a 3.9 % increase in energy and revenue generated.