Experimental investigation of using heat pipes and finned heat sink in cooling of PV panels—Thermodynamic and economic analysis consequences

Karali I., KABUL A.

Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1002/ep.70133
  • Journal Name: Environmental Progress and Sustainable Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, Environment Index, Greenfile, INSPEC
  • Keywords: carbon emission reduction, economic analysis, passive cooling methods, photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) systems, wind effect
  • Isparta University of Applied Sciences Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study experimentally evaluates two passive cooling configurations, heat pipes (PV/T-HP) and aluminum finned heat sinks (PV/T-AF), for mitigating thermal losses in photovoltaic (PV) panels under real outdoor conditions in Gaziantep, Turkey. Thermodynamic, environmental, and economic analyses were performed based on measured data. The PV/T-HP system reduced panel surface temperature by 8°C, achieving 5.1% higher electrical efficiency than the reference panel, while PV/T-AF provided a 3°C reduction and 2.5% efficiency improvement. Beyond performance gains, the cooling system offered environmental benefits, reducing nearly 80 kg CO₂ per panel over its lifetime. Economic analysis revealed that, although PV/T-HP increases efficiency, the use of valuable materials in its cooling system extends the payback period compared to the reference panel, with electricity tariffs further influencing the duration. These findings demonstrate the dual benefit of the proposed cooling system in enhancing PV panel performance and mitigating carbon emissions, while highlighting the trade-off between efficiency gains and investment recovery.