Passive cooling solutions for high-efficiency photovoltaics
摘要
Global photovoltaic (PV) technologies are increasingly challenged by efficiency degradation caused by high operating temperatures, making effective temperature control crucial to maintaining optimal power generation. To address this issue, this paper presents a comprehensive review of recent advancements in passive cooling technologies for PV panels, highlighting the potential of methods that require no external energy input to enhance performance and ensure engineering feasibility. The study systematically analyzes five mainstream approaches—water cooling, heat pipes, phase change materials, ribbed surface heat transfer, and biomimetic cooling—demonstrating how each technique leverages distinct physical mechanisms to lower PV module temperatures. This temperature reduction leads to improved energy conversion efficiency and shows promise in reducing the levelized cost of electricity. Despite these benefits, the widespread commercial adoption of passive cooling technologies still faces significant hurdles, including high material costs, limited durability, and variable environmental adaptability. This review offers valuable insights into the selection and implementation of effective PV passive cooling strategies and outlines future directions for research and development. In particular, progress in novel materials, system integration, and intelligent thermal regulation is expected to be central to future breakthroughs, contributing to the sustainable evolution of PV technology.