Performance analysis of a solar module with different reflectors and cooling flow fields

Photovoltaics are devices that directly convert solar energy into electricity. One way to enhance its power output is the use of reflectors. This study aims to design a reflector for a photovoltaic system by considering the effects of hybrid, parabolic, flat, and quadrangular reflectors on its performance. The power output of the stand-alone solar module reached 23.79 (W), while the power output of the solar module when using flat plate reflectors with inclination angles ranging from 50 degrees to 80 degrees increased from 29.9 (W) to 54.06 (W), for parabolic reflectors increased from 29.94 (W) to 98.57 (W), for hybrid reflectors increased from 56.11 (W) to 79.52 (W), and for quadrangular reflectors increased from 26.35 (W) to 104.36 (W). Although reflectors could enhance the power output of the solar module up to 4-folds, the rise in module temperature will have a detrimental influence on the module's efficiency. Hence, for a solar module integrated with two flat reflectors with an inclination angle of 60 degrees, two cooling flow fields were designed and fabricated. Based on the results, the power output for cases without cooling, Case-A, and Case-B, were 8.72 (W), 11.96 (W), and 12.49 (W) respectively.