3rd TAGRA

In photovoltaic (PV) systems, a significant portion of solar radiation converts into heat rather than electricity; this raises the cell temperature and reduces electrical efficiency. This study aimed to lower PV cell temperature and generate additional electricity via Peltier modules by integrating a combination of aluminum metal foam and Peltier modules (thermoelectric modules) onto the underside of the panel. Experiments were conducted outdoors in Erzurum using a full factorial experimental design involving three parameters: two Peltier types (12706 and 12710), three metal foam arrangements (perpendicular, diagonal, and parallel to the flow), and three fan speeds (0.5, 1.4, and 2 m/s). In reference experiments without fins, the panel temperature rose from 21°C to 62°C, resulting in an approximately 20% decrease in efficiency. The highest thermal efficiency with the developed system was achieved using the 12706 series Peltier and the diagonal foam arrangement at an air speed of 2 m/s (level 10); this value was 19.47% higher than that of the 12710 series in the same arrangement. The highest electrical efficiency was obtained with the 12710 series Peltier and the parallel foam arrangement at an air speed of 2 m/s; this value was 41.4% higher than the best result achieved by the 12706 series. Additionally, it was determined that the 12710 series Peltier modules generated, on average, 4.21% more electrical power than the 12706 series. The findings indicate that metal-foam-enhanced thermoelectric cooling is an effective method for maintaining the efficiency of PV panels in hot climate conditions and generating additional electrical power for the system.