Abstract
Photovoltaic (PV) technology has emerged as one of the most promising renewable energy solutions due to its ability to convert solar radiation directly into electrical energy. However, the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules significantly influences their electrical output, reliability, and service life. As the temperature of PV cells increases, the conversion efficiency decreases because of semiconductor-related thermal losses. Therefore, effective thermal management approaches are essential for improving PV system performance, especially under high solar irradiation conditions. This study presents a numerical investigation and comparative evaluation of passive cooling techniques for reducing photovoltaic panel operating temperatures using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Passive cooling approaches based on natural convection enhancement and heat sink integration are analysed to understand their influence on thermal distribution and heat dissipation characteristics. Three-dimensional CFD models are developed to simulate the thermal behaviour of a photovoltaic module under steady-state operating conditions. The governing conservation equations of mass, momentum, and energy are solved to predict temperature distribution, airflow behaviour, and heat transfer performance. The numerical analysis focuses on comparing temperature reduction capability, airflow patterns, and thermal uniformity achieved through different passive cooling configurations. The results indicate that passive cooling methods can effectively reduce PV module temperature by improving convective heat transfer between the module surfaces and surrounding air. Heat sink-based configurations provide enhanced thermal dissipation due to increased surface area, while natural convection methods offer a simple, maintenance-free, and economical cooling solution. The outcomes of this study demonstrate that CFD-based thermal analysis can aid in designing efficient PV cooling systems. The findings contribute toward the development of reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective photovoltaic installations by improving energy conversion efficiency and extending module lifespan.
Keywords: photovoltaic module; thermal management; passive cooling; natural convection; heat sink; computational fluid dynamics; temperature reduction; renewable energy.