In photovoltaic panels, panel surfaces are used with different designs to reduce losses from heating cooling and analysis of the results

In this thesis study, cold water passages were provided with experimental setups set up from the front and rear surfaces of the panels in order to reduce the heat-induced losses and increase the panel efficiency in photovoltaic panels. It was ensured that the lower and upper surface temperatures of the panels were cooled with different water flow rates, and the obtained maximum power values (Current(A), Voltage(V) and Power(W)) were measured and the obtained data were compared. In addition, time-dependent temperature values of the external environment and sunlight radiation values were also measured. The analysis of the obtained data and its effects on panel efficiency were examined. The experiments were carried out on the university campus with the apparatus set up in the open area. Three 40W PV panels were used for the experiment. The front surface of one of the panels is cooled by cold water flowing through the double glazing. Another is cooled by cold water, which is passed through the double glass on its back surface. The third panel was left blank for control and comparison purposes. Ambient temperatures, different surface temperatures of the panels, and water inlet and outlet temperatures were measured, and the maximum power, current and volt values that occurred depending on time were recorded. According to the results, it was observed that cooling the panel with water from the back surface had a positive effect on the panel efficiency at an average of %1.35 to %9.88. However, when the flow rate is 0.25lt/min, the panel surface temperatures are between 2-6°C, when the flow is 0.5lt/min, the panel surface temperatures are between 2-8°C, and when the flow is 1lt/min, the panel surface temperatures are reduced between 3-10°C. It was observed that the efficiency of the cooled panels increased especially at 1000W/m2 and above radiation values. According to the results of the experiment, considering the system cost of the energy produced and the energy losses required for the water flow, it has been seen that cooling the PV panels with water from the rear surface will contribute positively to the panel efficiency.