Mathematical Analysis of Thermal Management in Photovoltaic Modules.

Resumo

In the pursuit of enhancing photovoltaic (PV) panel efficiency, understanding the thermal dynamics within panel structures is crucial. This study introduces a sophisticated thermal model using fully explicit finite difference methods to simulate the two-dimensional temperature distributions across the layered structure of a PV module. We meticulously analyze the impact of various heat transfer modes---including conduction, convection, and radiation---on the panel's performance. The model's precision is validated against real-world empirical data collected under varying irradiance conditions, employing robust statistical indices to quantify its accuracy. Our findings reveal strong correlations between modeled and observed temperature profiles, with correlation coefficients (COR) exceeding 0.94 and normalized mean squared errors (NMSE) below 0.005 across various irradiance conditions. These results confirm the accuracy and robustness of the proposed model for predicting temperature distributions in photovoltaic panels. Furthermore, the identification of significant correlations between modeled and actual temperature profiles highlights potential thermal management strategies to optimize panel efficiency. This research not only advances the theoretical understanding of PV system thermodynamics but also provides a solid foundation for future innovations in PV technology, aiming to maximize energy conversion efficiency and panel longevity in the face of climatic challenges.