Key points are not available for this paper at this time.
Photovoltaic (PV) panels undergo significant efficiency losses and reduced reliability due to temperature rise during operation. This study introduces a hybrid cooling system combining flint-based porous media with water-cooling channels to enhance heat dissipation. Flint, known for its high thermal conductivity and durability, is employed as a natural porous material to improve conductive and convective cooling. Outdoor experiments were conducted on 30 W polycrystalline PV modules to evaluate the influence of porosity (0. 35–0. 48) and coolant flow rate (1–2 L/min) on thermal performance. A three-stage protocol was followed: (1) comparing porous versus non-porous cooling, (2) determining the optimal porosity, and (3) calibrating flow rate for peak efficiency. Results showed a 27% temperature reduction, with surface temperatures dropping from 50. 9°C to 37. 7°C under peak conditions. The system improved power output by 12. 3% and electrical efficiency by 13. 5%, with optimal performance at 0. 35 porosity and 2 L/min. The hybrid design balanced cost and efficiency, achieving a lower levelized cost of energy (0. 103/kWh) than water cooling alone (0. 105/kWh). Environmental analysis revealed a 360. 15 kg CO₂ reduction over 15 years and a 3. 5% annual efficiency gain compared to uncooled PV. Although annual carbon credit gains were modest (0. 36), the system’s scalability offers long-term sustainability benefits.
Masalha et al. (Wed,) studied this question.