Numerical CFD Study of Heat-Transfer Enhancement in Photovoltaic Panels Using Rectangular Fins

This study examines the thermal performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels using rectangular fins attached on their backside. The fins were oriented at 30°, 60°, and 90° and tested at heights of 10, 15, and 20 mm to evaluate how fin angle and height influence the flow field parameters, turbulence, temperature, and the heat transfer rate. The findings reveal that the incorporation of fins reduces PV panel temperature from 311.4 K to 307.4 K. Nevertheless, the variation in the orientation and the height of the fins did not significantly affect the panel’s temperature. These results provide significant guidance when one is designing the PV panel, that is, rectangular fins offer an efficient means of enhancing heat dissipation to the environment. Moreover, fins made of aluminum material, of height 10 mm, at angle 900 are recommended in this study.