Heat transfer augmentation in a hybrid microchannel solar cell

This paper considers experimental investigations on a hybrid microchannel solar cell, which is designed as an attractive technology for PV cooling systems. The proposed unit combines two elements: a microchannel and a photovoltaic–thermal module. Experiments were performed at indoor condition. In order to remove heat from the PV module, water was used as a single-phase working fluid. Water flowed through series of microchannels with a hydraulic diameter of 0.667 mm. In the studied range of Re number, detailed parametric investigation and energy evaluation were carried out for various fluid flow rates. The output power of the PV/T panel was compared with that of the conventional photovoltaic panel having no arrangement for heat removal. An excellent cooling performance was found from experiments so that the cell maximum power was marginally improved above 30%.