Modeling and simulation of the thermal behavior and electrical performance of PV modules under different environment and operating conditions

To adequately estimate the performance of a photovoltaic panel (PV) under actual field conditions, the present study tackles this problem by a multi-physics approach, where a thermal model based on a 3D finite-elements (FEM) method, and a combined optical-radiative one, are coupled to an electrical model, yielding the global simulation model. A detailed study regarding the determination of the convective heat transfer coefficients led to the proposal of a numerical algorithm to solve the non-linear equations obtained from the energy balances. The validation is done by comparing the present numerical results to a set of selected experimental data measured in the desert regions (Qatar and Algeria). As for the most relevant results, it is found that the nature of encapsulant material has almost no effect on PV performance, and for an efficient way of cooling the PV, a minimum distance of 150 mm between the ground level and the front face of the PV is recommended. The simulation results confirm that Adrar is one of the best sites in the world for solar applications, with the overheating of the PV cells largely compensated by the high potential of solar radiation.