Cooling solar panels improves their efficiency and lifespan, as high temperatures negatively impact their performance. Thermal cycling is the primary cause of degradation in solar panels. The hypothesis is that by incorporating a closed-loop water cooling system with a solar panel will reduce its surface temperature which may enhance its efficiency.  In order to predict the solar panel’s surface temperature, Ansys modeling was conducted on a solar panel from SunPower (E 19/320 PV:  200W) with the option of passive cooling using water channels under its surface. The modeling of the system was conducted by SolidWorks and simulated with Ansys Fluent Fluid Analysis to compare with our previous experimental data and test performance at various conditions. The focus was on optimizing flow rates, material selection, and design geometry for maximum thermal efficiency. A steady-state heat transfer model was combined with a laminar fluid flow analysis, considering the relationship between coolant flow rate and panel temperature reduction. The solar panel was subjected to a simulated heat flux of 800 W/m², while water served as the coolant with varying flow rates (0.5–2.0 L/min).

In addition, the experimental work also tested a cooling system for a solar panel. A 42% reduction in surface temperature (52°C to 30°C) and an 8% increase in panel efficiency was found. The water's outlet temperature peaked at 50°C, making it suitable for domestic applications. The heated water was passed through a heat exchanger to reduce its temperature for the closed loop operation in the system.  The next phase is to compare these results with the experimental data at identical operating conditions. The computational work is still in progress for various operating conditions and full results along with a detailed discussion will be included in the final presentation.