Effect of Film Water-Cooling on the Electrical Performance Efficiency of a Solar PV Module
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Abstract
High operating temperatures significantly reduce the performance efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, especially in hot climates regions. This study experimentally investigates the effect of film water-cooling on the electrical performance of a solar PV module under Sokoto State climatic conditions, Nigeria. Key environmental parameters, including solar irradiance, ambient temperature, wind speed, and module temperature, were measured over five consecutive days. A gravity-fed system was used to form a thin film of water over the module surface at a controlled flow rate. Electrical parameters such as voltage and current were recorded to calculate output power and then evaluate efficiency. Results show that film water-cooling reduced module temperature and improved electrical efficiency, achieving a peak value of 10.5% compared to natural air-cooling. The practical findings demonstrate that film water cooling is a simple, effective, and low-cost method for improving PV performance in hot regions.
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