Three-dimensional numerical investigation of natural convection air cooling in triangular-finned solar photovoltaic panels

A mathematical model of a triangular fin attached to a photovoltaic-thermal panel, referred to as TF-PV/T, has been presented in this paper. The hybrid model has been optimized in order to maximize its electrical as well as thermal efficiency. A comparison between an FP- PV/T with a single air passage for cooling purposes and a TF- PV/T with triangular fin below the photovoltaic module, both operating under natural air flow conditions, has been made. Results show that a TF-PV/T exhibits improved thermal management capability by decreasing the maximum temperature of the PV panel by 6.15 K from 344.62 K to 338.47 K at noon hours. There is also an improvement in the thermal performance, where there is a 73.60% increase in thermal power generated, which increases from 96.86 W to 168.15 W and also an improvement in thermal efficiency from 28.84% to 33.36%. There is an increase in the electrical performance due to an increase in output power by 2.94%, which increases from 58.39 W to 60.11 W and efficiency by 2.3% from 14.32% to 14.65%. This is due to the reduction in heat loss during cooling. The accuracy of the model is validated through comparison of results with the experimental findings of previous literature, and it is observed to be accurate. The triangular fin design improves heat extraction efficiency while maintaining performance at high solar irradiance levels, making it suitable for hot climate conditions.