Enhancing PV efficiency using direct cooling with CuO nanofluid

Nikhil Kondibhau Purwant, Avinash M. Badadhe

Abstract


This study investigates the potential of copper oxide (CuO)–water nanofluid as a direct cooling medium for photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems, compared against conventional water cooling. CuO nanoparticles were synthesized using a two-step method and characterized via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental tests were performed across nanoparticle concentrations of 1%–5% and mass flow rates of 0.07–0.11 kg/s to evaluate their effects on panel surface temperature, electrical efficiency, power generation, and coolant stability.

The CuO nanofluid achieved a minimum surface temperature of 33.05 °C at 0.11 kg/s, significantly outperforming water cooling (40.5 °C). At 5% concentration, electrical efficiency improved to 17.6% with maximum output power of 51.75 W, exceeding water cooling (16.32%, 47.98 W). Reduced evaporative losses further highlighted thermal durability. These findings confirm that nanofluid cooling enhances PV performance, offering practical value for sustainable energy applications. While limited to laboratory-scale experiments, the study provides novel experimental evidence supporting CuO nanofluid as an effective coolant and a foundation for future optimization in large-scale PVT systems.

 

Received: 01 September 2025

Accepted: 11 October 2025

Published: 23 October 2025


Keywords


Electrical efficiency, Experimental investigation, Photovoltaic thermal systems, Renewable energy, Thermal management

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DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21622/resd.2025.11.2.1655

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Copyright (c) 2025 Nikhil Kondibhau Purwant, Avinash M. Badadhe

Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development

E-ISSN: 2356-8569

P-ISSN: 2356-8518

 

Published by:

Academy Publishing Center (APC)

Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport (AASTMT)

Alexandria, Egypt

resd@aast.edu