Experimental evaluation of a hybrid evaporative and groundwater cooling system for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency in arid climates

Abstract

Abstract Photovoltaic panels are considered a vital sustainable source of electrical energy; however, their efficiency tends to decline as a result of increasing temperature. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel evaporative cooling and groundwater-based system designed to simultaneously cool both the air and photovoltaic panels in hot, dry climates. Experimental results from the developed prototype indicate a clear enhancement in energy generation compared to conventional photovoltaic and evaporative cooling systems. Statistically, the evaporative cooling system reduced the average panel temperature by 15 °C, resulting in an 8.4% increase in photovoltaic efficiency, while maintaining air conditions of 32.6 °C and 62% relative humidity. Furthermore, the groundwater-to-air heat exchanger reduced the panel temperature by 22.8 °C, leading to a 12.7% increase in efficiency, and lowered the air temperature from 43.5 to 26.3 °C at 55% relative humidity. These results highlight the potential of integrated cooling systems to significantly improve the performance of photovoltaic panels in arid regions.