Pathways toward high-efficiency solar photovoltaic thermal management for electrical, thermal and combined generation applications: A critical review

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert a portion of the incident solar radiation into electrical energy and the remaining energy (>70 %) is mostly converted into thermal energy. This thermal energy is trapped within the panel which, in turn, increases the panel temperature and deteriorates the power output as well as electrical efficiency. To obtain high-efficiency solar photovoltaics, effective thermal management systems is of utmost. This article presents a comprehensive review that explores recent research related to thermal management solutions as applied to photovoltaic technology. The study aims at presenting a wide range of proposed solutions and alternatives in terms of design approaches and concepts, operational methods and other techniques for performance enhancement, with commentary on their associated challenges and opportunities. Both active and passive thermal management solutions are presented, which are classified and discussed in detail, along with results from a breadth of experimental efforts into photovoltaic panel performance improvements. Approaches relying on radiative, as well as convective heat transfer principles using air, water, heat pipes, phase change materials and/or nanoparticle suspensions (nanofluids) as heat-exchange media, are discussed while including summaries of their unique features, advantages, disadvantages and possible applications. In particular, hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors that use a coolant to capture waste heat from the photovoltaic panels in order to deliver an additional useful thermal output are also reviewed, and it is noted that this technology has a promising potential in terms of delivering high-efficiency solar energy conversion. The article can act as a guide to the research community, developers, manufacturers, industrialists and policymakers in the design, manufacture, application and possible promotion of high-performance photovoltaic-based technologies and systems

Pathways toward high-efficiency solar photovoltaic thermal management for electrical, thermal and combined generation applications: A critical review

Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert a portion of the incident solar radiation into electrical energy and the remaining energy (>70 %) is mostly converted into thermal energy. This thermal energy is trapped within the panel which, in turn, increases the panel temperature and deteriorates the power output as well as electrical efficiency. To obtain high-efficiency solar photovoltaics, effective thermal management systems is of utmost. This article presents a comprehensive review that explores recent research related to thermal management solutions as applied to photovoltaic technology. The study aims at presenting a wide range of proposed solutions and alternatives in terms of design approaches and concepts, operational methods and other techniques for performance enhancement, with commentary on their associated challenges and opportunities. Both active and passive thermal management solutions are presented, which are classified and discussed in detail, along with results from a breadth of experimental efforts into photovoltaic panel performance improvements. Approaches relying on radiative, as well as convective heat transfer principles using air, water, heat pipes, phase change materials and/or nanoparticle suspensions (nanofluids) as heat-exchange media, are discussed while including summaries of their unique features, advantages, disadvantages and possible applications. In particular, hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors that use a coolant to capture waste heat from the photovoltaic panels in order to deliver an additional useful thermal output are also reviewed, and it is noted that this technology has a promising potential in terms of delivering high-efficiency solar energy conversion. The article can act as a guide to the research community, developers, manufacturers, industrialists and policymakers in the design, manufacture, application and possible promotion of high-performance photovoltaic-based technologies and systems

A holistic review of the present and future drivers of the renewable energy mix in Maharashtra, State of India

A strong energy mix of Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) is needed for sustainable development in the electricity sector. India stands as one of the fastest developing countries in terms of RES production. In this framework, the main objective of this review is to critically scrutinize the Maharashtra state energy landscape to discover the gaps, barriers, and challenges therein and to provide recommendations and suggestions for attaining the RES target by 2022. This work begins with a discussion about the RES trends in various developing countries. Subsequently, it scrutinizes the installed capacity of India, reporting that Maharashtra state holds a considerable stake in the Indian energy mix. A further examination of the state energy mix is carried out by comparing the current and future targets of the state action plan. It is found that the installed capacity of RESs accounts for about 22% of the state energy mix. Moreover, the current installed capacity trend is markedly different from the goals set out in the action plan of the state. Notably, the installed capacity of solar energy is four times less than the target for 2020. Importantly, meeting the targeted RES capacity for 2022 presents a great challenge to the state. Considering this, an analysis of the state’s strengths, barriers, and challenges is presented. Moreover, strong suggestions and recommendations are provided to clear the track to reach the desired destination. This can be useful for the government agencies, research community, private investors, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in building a sustainable energy system for the future