Automated water sprinkler system with temperature detection for monocrystalline panel optimum operating performance

ABSTRACT: Operating temperature is a major factor that contributes to the performance of a solar panel and its efficiency. This study focuses on determining whether active cooling method such as water spraying will have an impact to the solar panel’s efficiency by monitoring and regulating the temperature of solar photovoltaic panels through an automated active cooling system using water sprinkler system can also positively impact factors other than overheating such as dust accumulation and soiling. A cooled solar panel will be in comparison with a non-cooled solar panel to be able to determine whether cooling it will have an impact to its performance. An automated sprinkler will be used to make the cooling possible which is programmed via Arduino Uno that contains code that programs the relay to activate once the temperature read by the thermistor placed below the panel exceeded the temperature threshold which is 310C. The water pump bridge to the sprinkler is plugged to an extension line with the 5V relay which will regulate the activation. The result shows that the temperature is inversely proportional to the open-circuit voltage (Voc) and the short-circuit current (Isc) with respect to the solar panel’s specification. The increase in Voc and Isc are limited as temperature is only a factor that contributes to a solar panel’s efficiency, which depends on incident light intensity. Power generated is the product of the Voc and Isc and therefore also inversely proportional to temperature. Based on the data gathered and conducted, applying the active cooling method which is spraying water to the solar panel has better performance compared to the non-cooled photovoltaic panel. The study shows that 18.6% more power were generated to the normal or non-cooled photovoltaic panel.

Filipiniana