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Abstract
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This study explores a hybrid cooling strategy for photovoltaic (PV) panels using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) in conjunction with ultrasonic piezoelectric atomization to enhance thermal management and electrical performance. The proposed system features a chamber equipped with five piezoelectric transducers that produce fine water vapor directed toward the rear surface of the PV panel, while TEGs are attached to facilitate passive thermal energy harvesting. The effects of key operating parameters—including the number of TEGs (3, 4, 6, and 9), water temperature (5, 15, and 25 °C), and water height (5, 6, and 7 cm)—were systematically evaluated under controlled solar simulator conditions. Results show that the integration of TEGs and ultrasound-assisted cooling significantly reduces the panel's surface temperature and improves its thermal uniformity and power output. Notably, the steady-state temperature of the PV panel decreased from 64.2 °C (without cooling) to 31.54 °C when using 9 TEGs, atomized cold water at 5 °C, and a height of 5 cm. Increasing the number of TEGs enhanced both cooling efficiency and temperature uniformity, while lower water heights and temperatures improved atomization and heat removal. Conversely, higher water levels reduced the effectiveness of vapor generation by the piezoelectrics. Despite requiring minimal input power (0.131 W), the cooling system increased PV output from 5.14 W (no cooling) to 7.11 W with ultrasound cooling alone, and up to 7.76 W when combined with 9 TEGs. The coefficient of efficiency (COE) improved from 1.00 to 1.489, indicating more effective energy utilization.
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