The growing global shift toward renewable energy has intensified the pursuit of high-efficiency photovoltaic (PV) systems, with triple-junction solar cells emerging as a leading technology due to their superior energy conversion capabilities. However, these advanced cells face significant…
Integrating active cooling mechanisms into multi-junction photovoltaic systems is becoming vital for mitigating thermal degradation and efficiency loss in hot climates, according to a study authored by researchers from Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. Lead author Hassanein Abdelmohsen Hassanein Refaey, a mechanical engineering professor, collaborated on the work alongside students Yousef Ahmad Al-Manzalawi, Mohammed AlJohani, Omar AlJohani, Mohammed AlDossary, and Faisal Akili.
The research emphasizes that high operating temperatures in arid regions can significantly hinder solar panel output, cause uneven heat distribution, and trigger thermal runaway. Implementing forced-air or liquid-based thermal regulation helps maintain solar modules near their optimal operational thresholds. These technical enhancements directly support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 initiatives, which target generating 50 percent of the nation's electricity from renewable sources by 2030 through the deployment of 130 GW of clean energy, including roughly 58.7 GW of solar and 40 GW of wind capacity.
Active thermal management works by converting solar radiation into electricity while managing the remaining portion lost as heat. By applying active forced convection or liquid cooling methods, systems increase heat dissipation to reduce the thermal load on modules. Higher convective heat transfer coefficients are achieved through mechanical means such as liquid pumps or air blowers, outperforming natural convective heat transfer.
The study highlights liquid cooling, particularly water-based systems attached to the rear of photovoltaic modules, as an effective thermal management solution due to water's high specific heat capacity. Circulating heat through heat exchangers or cooling towers, alongside increasing air velocity via fans, boosts heat removal rates to counter high insolation conditions and mitigate power loss.
Originally reported by POWER Magazine on Dec 1, 2025.
