PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID
Solar power offers a chance to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels, a crucial consideration for nations heavily reliant on energy imports. Hybrid nanoparticles have been used for PV cooling to enhance the efficiency and perfor-mance of solar panels. This study investigates the use of nanofl...
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| author | Kuppusamy , S. Saravanan , Dh. Kumarasamy , S. Pandian , B. |
| author_facet | Kuppusamy , S. Saravanan , Dh. Kumarasamy , S. Pandian , B. |
| author_institution_txt_mv | [
{
"author": "S. Kuppusamy ",
"institution": "PRIST University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India"
},
{
"author": "Dh. Saravanan ",
"institution": "PRIST University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India"
},
{
"author": "S. Kumarasamy ",
"institution": "Universiti Malaysia, Pahang"
},
{
"author": "B. Pandian ",
"institution": "Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India"
}
] |
| author_sort | Kuppusamy , S. |
| baseUrl_str | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/oai |
| collection | OJS |
| datestamp_date | 2026-07-18T06:32:21Z |
| description | Solar power offers a chance to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels, a crucial consideration for nations heavily reliant on energy imports. Hybrid nanoparticles have been used for PV cooling to enhance the efficiency and perfor-mance of solar panels. This study investigates the use of nanofluids to improve power production, lifespan, and effi-ciency. Three photovoltaic panels with different cooling meth-ods were tested in this study. The effect of a 2 wt % Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid was assessed at flow speeds ranging from 1 to 3 liters per minute. Three panels, PV-1, PV-2, and PV-3, are used in this experiment. A 2 wt % hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO is used to study the first solar panel (PV-1), often known as PV-one. The second solar panel (PV-2), called PV-two, is cooled using forced air and a 2 wt % hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO. In contrast, PV-three, the third panel (PV-3), had no cooling. When an Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid with forced air was used, the electrical energy efficiency increased the most, at 17.9 %. Additionally, using a hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO produced a 17.5 % outcome, whereas an uncooled panel produced a 15.1 % result. In contrast to the hybrid nanofluid, which had a temperature of about 9.4 °C, the hybrid nanofluid with forced air had a temperature increase of 9.8 °C. Compared to the uncooled panels, this resulted in an 11.2 % increase in output power. The maximum output powers for cooling with hybrid nanofluid with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled panels were 45.6, 44.1, and 40.2 W, respectively. Additionally, the CFD was used to evaluate the serpentine pipe thermal performance. |
| doi_str_mv | 10.36296/1819-8058.2025.1(80).51-59 |
| first_indexed | 2025-07-17T11:39:50Z |
| format | Article |
| fulltext |
51
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
УДК 621.311 https://doi.org/10.36296/1819-8058.2025.1(80)51-59
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO
NANOFLUID
Received Jan. 20, 2025; accepted Mar. 14, 2025
Available online Apr. 01, 2025
Kuppusamy S.1, Saravanan Dh.2,
Kumarasamy S.3, Pandian B.4
Author for correspondence: Pandian Balu,
e-mail: balumitauto@gmail.com
Abstract. Solar power offers a chance to decrease dependence
on imported fossil fuels, a crucial consideration for nations
heavily reliant on energy imports. Hybrid nanoparticles have
been used for PV cooling to enhance the efficiency and perfor-
mance of solar panels. This study investigates the use of
nanofluids to improve power production, lifespan, and effi-
ciency. Three photovoltaic panels with different cooling meth-
ods were tested in this study. The effect of a 2 wt % Al2O3/ZnO
hybrid nanofluid was assessed at flow speeds ranging from 1 to 3 liters per minute. Three panels, PV-1, PV-2, and
PV-3, are used in this experiment. A 2 wt % hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO is used to study the first solar panel
(PV-1), often known as PV-one. The second solar panel (PV-2), called PV-two, is cooled using forced air and a 2 wt
% hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO. In contrast, PV-three, the third panel (PV-3), had no cooling. When an
Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid with forced air was used, the electrical energy efficiency increased the most, at 17.9
%. Additionally, using a hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO produced a 17.5 % outcome, whereas an uncooled panel
produced a 15.1 % result. In contrast to the hybrid nanofluid, which had a temperature of about 9.4 °C, the hybrid
nanofluid with forced air had a temperature increase of 9.8 °C. Compared to the uncooled panels, this resulted in
an 11.2 % increase in output power. The maximum output powers for cooling with hybrid nanofluid with forced
air, hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled panels were 45.6, 44.1, and 40.2 W, respectively. Additionally, the CFD was
used to evaluate the serpentine pipe thermal performance.
Keywords: Photovoltaic panel, Hybrid nanofluid, Serpentine pipe, Efficiency, Power, Lifespan.
1. Introduction
Global warming and climate change are caused by the use of
fossil fuels. The best method to reduce the damaging im-
pacts of hazardous gases on the environment is to use pho-
tovoltaic (PV) technology. The main problem with PV system
use is the rising temperature of the PV panels, which may be
decreased by cooling them. Panel cooling can be accom-
plished with water, air, and nanofluid. A circulating working
fluid, which may be water or a nanofluid, carries the heat
produced by the solar panels to the collector [1]. The various
applications of hybrid nanofluid are shown in Fig. 1.
According to Eman Abdelhafez et al., the hybrid nanofluid
enhanced each PV's performance, by boosting output power
and efficiency [2]. In their study, Sathish et al. found that em-
ploying nanofluids in evacuated tube solar collectors gives in-
creased heat gain and efficiency [3]. Additionally, Sathish et
al. hypothesized that the hybrid nanofluid would improve
flat plate collectors' thermal performance [4]. A nanofluid-
based photovoltaic thermal module was mathematically
evaluated by Mehrdad et al., who discovered that CNT/wa-
ter nanofluid performed better than CuO/water [5]. When
employing a hybrid nanofluid for PV/T solar panels, Ajiv Alam
Khan et al. saw a notable increase in thermal and electrical
efficiency as well as cooling effects [6]. To improve solar per-
formance in the summer and winter, Jagteshwar Singh et al.
used solar collectors-based nanofluids [7]. Mondal et al. de-
signed a hybrid PVT collector with a Heliostat field concen-
trator, achieving PV panel efficiencies ranging from 10% to
13% [8]. By using CNT nanofluid, Azad et al. found that in-
creasing the Reynolds number led to lower cell and discharge
temperatures, resulting in improved efficiency for PVT [9].
Khelifa et al. conducted a photovoltaic thermal analysis using
nanofluid at different concentrations. They concluded that
combining air and nanofluids at 1% concentration with a con-
stant water flow rate of 0.01 kg/s was optimal for cooling PV
panels [10]. Ebaid et al. compared nanofluids versus water
and ambient air for cooling solar panels, finding that nanoflu-
ids significantly enhanced heat transfer rates [11]. Hissouf et
al. conducted numerical research showing that Cu-water
nanofluid outperformed Al2O3-water nanofluid in covered
PVT [12]. By experimenting with a PV/T water collector, Pod-
der et al, were able to maximize both electrical and thermal
efficiency [13]. Abbas et al. concluded that organic fluids
1 Research Scholar
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5612-0070
2 Professor
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3473-872X
2 Senior Lecturer
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4867-2362
2 Associate Professor
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3480-1116
1, 2 PRIST University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
3 Universiti Malaysia, Pahang
4 Bharath Institute of Higher Education and
Research, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
52
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
were superior to water as base fluids for nanofluids, with
higher thermal conductivity nanofluids maximizing efficiency
[14]. Adam et al. found that using nanofluids as optical filters
instead of water filters could enhance the overall energy ef-
ficiency of photovoltaic/thermal devices [15]. To improve
PV/T collectors, Al-Waeli et al. found that silicon carbide na-
noparticles performed better in terms of reliability and heat
transfer than Al2O3 and CuO [16]. In an experimental study,
Ebaid et al. used TiO2 and Al2O3 nanofluids to cool photovol-
taic panels; the results showed that Al2O3 performed better
than TiO2 [17]. Jidhesh et al. found that CuO nanofluid
demonstrates superior electrical, thermal, and energy effi-
ciency [18]. Khodadadi et al. discovered that the PCM en-
hanced the collector's thermal output when nanoparticles
were added to water [19]. Maadi et al. studied the effects of
introducing nanoparticles on entropy formation in a PVT sys-
tem, concluding that metallic nanofluids performed better
than metalloid nanofluids in reducing entropy generation
and improving collector performance [20]. Said et al. reported
that using TiO2-H2O nanofluid in a solar collector resulted in
greater energy and efficiency compared to water [21].
Fig. 1. Applications of Hybrid Nanofluid
The test is conducted by using nanofluids with forced air to
lower the temperature of photovoltaic panels and to en-
hance their performance, prolong their lifespan, and max-
imize power generation. Three PV panels with identical
specs but distinct cooling techniques were used in the ex-
periment. PV-one was cooled using a 2 % weight Al2O3/ZnO
hybrid nanofluid only. PV-two was cooled using a 2%
weight Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid with forced air. PV-
three without cooling fluid (uncooled panel).
2. Description of the experimental work’s methodology
The purified water and nanoparticles were mixed in an ul-
trasonic device to create a uniform nanofluid. To make the
hybrid nanofluid, 1 L of clean water was combined with 1 g
each of Al2O3 and ZnO nanoparticles. A 2 wt% hybrid
nanofluid was used in the study, with both ZnO and Al2O3
having the same weight percentage in the mixture.
2.1. Location of the study
In this test, each PV module was tilted at a 30° angle, facing
the optimal direction for the geographic location where the
scientific study took place. The evaluation of solar panels
was carried out at E.S Polytechnic College in Villupuram, Ta-
milnadu, India.
2.2. Experimental work setup
In Fig. 2, the experimental setup is depicted and in Fig. 3.
(a) & (b) shows the Creo model of the experimental setup
of front and back side view. The experiment comprises
three solar panels with identical specifications but distinct
cooling methods, and the order below. PV-1 is cooled by
using 2 wt% Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid. PV-2 is cooled by
using 2 wt% Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid with forced air. PV-
3 does so without using cooling fluid. The details of the PV
setup utilized in the study are outlined in Table 1. A hybrid
nanofluid experiment was conducted using Al2O3 and ZnO
nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles had a size of 28 nm,
while the Al2O3 nanoparticles had a size of 55 nm. The ex-
periment was conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with
flow rates varying between 1–3 L/min. A 2 wt% hybrid
nanofluid was created by combining one gram each of Al2O3
and ZnO nanoparticles with one liter of purified water. The
nanofluid was circulated in a single-pass closed system. To
enhance measurement accuracy, an average of over thirty
minutes was calculated. Three monocrystalline PV modules
were utilized simultaneously under similar environmental
conditions, including solar radiation intensity, wind speed,
temperature, and dust levels.
Fig. 2. The experimental test rig
53
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
Fig. 3. Creo model of the experimental test rig (a) Front view (b) Back side view
Table 1. Specifications of the PV setup
Type SFPVM-50
Cell type Monocrystalline
Max. power, Pmax 50 WP
Open-circuit voltage, Voc 21.4 V
Short-circuit current, Isc 3.14 A
Max. power current 2.76 A
Max. power voltage 17 V
Weight 3.4 Kg
Operating temperature range 40–80 °C
Fill Factor, FF 0.7596
Standard test circumstances 1000 W/m2, AM 1.4, 24 °C
Cell number 35
Size 630 mm x 540 mm x18 mm
2.3. Design and work procedures
In the experiments, the liquid flows on the back surface of
the PV module. Copper metal tubes were connected using
T-shaped connectors. To enhance heat transfer, a 1 mm
thick Cu tube was installed on top of a Cu plate for welding.
For the PV plates, a Cu plate was mounted on the back sur-
face using a method that ensures direct contact. A wooden
pole was used to press the tubes onto the Cu plate and the
Cu tubes were in contact with the Cu plate of each cooling
panel. The entire tube carrying the nanofluid was insulated
with wool. Each inlet and outlet had a sensor connected to
thermocouples to measure temperature accurately. A
unique tube heat exchanger was created to remove heat
from the fluid. The fluid was directed to the heat exchang-
ers for cooling. A flowmeter and a throttle valve were in-
cluded in the line to regulate flow and protect the pipes
from high pressure. The final design of the system is shown
below in Fig. 2.
2.4. Preparation of nano-fluids
The Kanasparsa Chemicals Pvt. Ltd. in Bengaluru, Karna-
taka, India supplies nanoparticles. Thermo-physical proper-
ties of the ZnO and Al2O3 nanoparticles are listed in Table 2.
Table 2. Thermo-physical properties
Fluid Density (kg/ m3 ) Specific heat capacity (J/kg-K) Thermal conductivity (W/m-K)
Water 996 4185 0.616
Al2O3 3950 765 38.5
ZnO 5600 501 16.1
In this study, a metal oxide nanofluid mixed with water was
used to cool solar panels. Al2O3 and ZnO nanofluids were
prepared by adding 2 wt % of nanoparticles mixed with wa-
ter. An ultrasonic processor was used to scatter the nano-
particles in the water. For every liter of ZnO and Al2O3 na-
noparticles, surfactants were added, such as 1 g of
cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 5 g of polyethylene
glycol. Sedimentation would have occurred if the nanofluid
had not been continuously agitated following a 72-hour
preparation period.
2.5. Experimental work procedures and equipment
The procedures for conducting experiments and utilizing
the measurement tools are outlined below. Solar radiation
54
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
was measured using a solar meter. A flowmeter was em-
ployed to measure the flow rate. Temperatures were rec-
orded by connecting thermocouples to a data logger, which
was then linked to a computer system. The mini anemom-
eter was utilized to monitor wind speed and temperature
on-site, while a mercury thermometer was used for meas-
uring outside temperature. The power generated by the so-
lar panels was determined by measuring the maximum
voltage and current using a load resistance tester. The tem-
perature of the PVT front and rear surfaces was measured
using K-type thermocouples. Thermocouples were placed
on the rear of the PV panel - one in the middle and four in
each corner - and the average of the five readings was cal-
culated.
2.6. The mathematical modeling to simulate the PV system
in the experiments
The main goal is to gather information on the current and
voltage of each PV panel.
Power generation (P):
P = VocIscFF
where,
P = maximum working power, W
Voc = open-circuit voltage, V
Isc = short-circuit current, Amp
Fill factor (FF ):
FF =
Vmp x Imp
VOC x ISC
where,
Imp, = the current in the ultimate power
Vmp= the voltage in the ultimate power
The Voc. Isc= measured a source meter
PV panels efficiency(η):
η =
Pnet
A G
Pnet = Pout − Ppump
where,
A = area of PV panel, m2
G = sun irradiation, W/m2
Pnet= net PV output power, W
Ppump= the power consumed by the circulation pump, W
Reynolds number (Re):
Re =
Inertial forces
Viscous forces
Re =
umDh ρ
μ
where,
ρ = density, kg/ m3
μ = dynamic viscosity, kg/m
The nanofluid density (ρnf):
ρnf = (1- φ)ρbf + φ ρnp
where,
ρnf = nanofluid density
ρbf = base fluid density
φ = nanoparticles volume fraction
ρnp = nanoparticles density
Nanoparticle mass (mnp):
Re =
mnp
ρnp 0.001
Nanoparticle volume fraction (Vnp):
φ =
Vnp
VT
where,
Vnp = nanoparticle volume
VT = total mix volume
Specific heat capacity of the nanofluid (Cp, nf ):
Cp,nf=(1 - φ)Cp,bf+ φCp,np
Kinematic viscosity (υnf):
υnf =
μnf
ρnf
Volume concentration (φ):
φ=
wnp
ρnp
wnp
ρnp
+
wwater
ρwater
where,
ρnp = nanoparticle density
ρwater = water density
w = mass
3. Results and discussion
3.1 Solar Radiation in the Experiment
Solar radiation is the main energy source harnessed by pho-
tovoltaic panels. This has a notable influence on the various
climatic conditions that affect the performance of solar
cells. Naturally, there were fluctuations in solar radiation
throughout the day, with peak intensity and value occur-
ring in the mid-afternoon before gradually decreasing to-
wards the evening.
3.2 Effect of cooling by hybrid nanofluid on PV surface tem-
perature
Fig. 5 (a) shows the surface temperatures with the time and
Fig. 5 (b) shows the ambient air temperature with the time.
The surface temperature of the three experimental PV pan-
els is illustrated in Fig. 4 (a), which will be discussed about
the PV surface temperature with time. At 9.30 am, the sur-
face temperature of hybrid nanofluid with forced air, hy-
brid nanofluid, and uncooled panel are 36, 37, and 38 °C,
respectively. At 12.30 pm, the different surface tempera-
tures of three other panels are 50, 50, and 57 °C, respec-
tively. At 03.00 pm, the surface temperature of experi-
mental PV panels such as 37, 38, and 43 °C respectively. The
hybrid nanofluid with forced air results in a higher heat
transfer coefficient, and it is very low when compared to
nanofluid without forced air and for uncooled panels. Table
3 shows the maximum surface temperature of the photo-
voltaic panels with the flow rate of 2 wt% hybrid nanofluid,
and the PV surface temperature, with the most significant
decrease being 20.4%. The hybrid nanofluid with forced air
is more effective in reducing solar panel surface tempera-
tures due to increased liquid velocity along with forced air.
55
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
9.3 10 10.3 11 11.3 12 12.3 13 13.3 14 14.3 15
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
P
V
s
u
rf
a
c
e
T
e
m
p
e
ra
tu
re
(
°C
)
Time of Day (h)
Hybrid Nanofluid with forced air
Hybrid Nanofluid
Uncooled panel
Fig. 4 (a). Variation of surface temperatures at various
times
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
A
m
b
ie
n
t
a
ir
T
e
m
p
e
ra
tu
re
(°
C
)
Time of Day (h)
Ambient Temp
Fig. 4 (b). Variation of ambient air temperatures at various
times
Table 3. Maximum surface temperature of the photovoltaic panels with the flow rate of 2 wt% hybrid nanofluid
Time of
Day
h
Solar
Radiation
G W/m
Volume
Flow
Rate
L/min
Ambient
Temp.
Ta ◦C
Maximum PV Surface Temperature % Decrease in PV Sur-
face Temp.
2wt%
HNF/Air
PV-2 ◦C
2wt% HNF
PV-1 ◦C
Uncooled
PV-3 ◦C
2wt%
HNF/Air
PV-2%
2wt%
HNF
PV-1%
09:30 610.0 0.5 28.7 36.9 37.2 38.0 3.0 2.2
10:00 789.5 0.5 30.1 41.9 42.5 44.9 7.2 6.0
10:30 840.6 1.0 33.8 42.8 43.9 45.4 13.2 10.1
11:00 879.0 1.0 34.0 45.9 46.9 51.4 14.4 12.5
11:30 890.3 1.5 34.7 45.8 47.9 52.0 15.6 13.5
12:00 889.6 1.5 36.1 47.1 48.9 56.1 16.5 14.6
12:30 906.2 2.0 37.1 49.8 50.0 57.0 16.5 16.8
13:00 890.5 2.0 39.2 48.9 50.1 58.2 19.1 16.8
13:30 820.6 2.5 40.1 47.9 48.9 57.9 20.7 18.9
14:00 780.4 2.5 34.4 46.9 47.4 56.2 19.4 16.7
14:30 697.4 3.0 32.2 44.9 45.9 52.0 18.7 13.0
15:00 620.3 3.0 31.0 37.0 38.1 42.9 12.6 9.6
3.3. Effect of hybrid nanofluid on the current-voltage (I-V)
and the output power
Fig. 5 (a) and (b) show the PV output power and solar radi-
ation with time for 2 wt% hybrid nanofluid.
The PV output power of PVT systems cooled by hybrid
nanofluids with forced air, hybrid nanofluids only, and with-
out cooling is being studied. Fig. 5 (a) -illustrates PV output
power with time for 2 wt% hybrid nanofluids with forced
air, 2 wt% hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled panel. This figure
shows the PV output power vs time of day. At 9.30 am, the
PV output powers for 2 wt% hybrid nanofluids with forced
air, 2 wt% hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled panels are equal
to 37, 36, and 35 W, respectively. At 12.30 pm, the various
PV output powers are 47, 45, and 42 W, respectively. At
03.00 pm, the PV output powers of three panels are 36,
35.5, and 34.5 W, respectively. The output power of the PV
unit is affected by changes in voltage and current due to the
intensity of solar radiation. When the flow system is turbu-
lent, the electrical power reaches its maximum and tends
to decrease when the flow is laminar. It is estimated that
during peak hours, when solar radiation is at its highest, the
electrical power output may decrease.
Fig. 6 shows the percentage increase in PV output power
for hybrid nanofluid with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and
uncooled panels. At 9.30 am, the hybrid nanofluid with
forced air gives 4.9% of increased PV output power com-
pared to hybrid nanofluid (4.2 %) and uncooled panel (2.4
%). The highest PV output power percentages produced at
12.30 pm are 11.2, 10.5, and 6.6%, respectively. At 3.00 pm,
56
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
the increased PV output power percentage of hybrid
nanofluid with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled
panel are 6.7, 5.9, and 3.1%, respectively. The hybrid
nanofluid with forced air at 2 weight percent increased
power output by over 11.2 %. At a concentration of 0.4 %,
the greatest degree of temperature reduction was
achieved. In the morning, the solar intensity rises from its
lowest point. The voltage and temperature of the cell sur-
face are raised by the intensity of solar radiation. At mid-
day, the sun intensity peaks at about 585 W/m2. After that,
it begins to fall and eventually reaches its lowest point in
the late afternoon.
9.3 10 10.3 11 11.3 12 12.3 13 13.3 14 14.3 15
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
P
V
O
u
tp
u
t
P
o
w
e
r
(W
)
Time of day (h)
Hybrid Nano fluid with forced air
Hybrid Nano fluid
uncooled panel
Fig. 5 (a). PV output power with time
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
900
950
1000
S
o
la
r
R
a
d
ia
ti
o
n
I
n
te
n
s
it
y
,G
(W
/m
2
)
Time of day (h)
Solar Radiation
Fig. 5 (b). Solar radiation with time
Fig. 7. shows PV electrical efficiency with time for 2 wt% hy-
brid nanofluids with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and un-
cooled panels. This figure compares PV electrical efficiency
and time of day. At 9.30 am, the PV electrical efficiency for
2 wt% hybrid nanofluids with forced air, 2 wt% hybrid
nanofluid and uncooled panel are 17.2, 17, and 16.9 % W,
respectively. At 12.30 pm, the various PV electrical efficien-
cies are 15.3, 14.8, and 13.6 %, respectively. At 03.00 pm,
the PV electrical efficiencies of three panels are 17.9, 17.4,
and 16.4 %, respectively. The flow system and electrical ef-
ficiency are directly related; greater fluid flow can lead to
higher electrical efficiency. Electrical efficiency peaks early
in the day and then progressively declines to its lowest
point at midday due to rising temperatures and increased
solar radiation. It was also observed that using a cooling
system like nanofluids with forced air produced the highest
efficiency. According to Ebaid et al., nanofluid cooling
boosts efficiency by 50 % [17].
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
In
c
re
a
s
e
P
V
o
u
tp
u
t
p
o
w
e
r
(%
)
Time
uncooled panel
Nano fluid
Nano fluid with forced air
Fig. 6. PV output power with time
3.4. Efficiency analysis of PV panel in hybrid nanofluid ex-
periment
9.3 10 10.3 11 11.3 12 12.3 13 13.3 14 14.3 15
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
P
V
E
le
c
tr
ic
a
l
E
ff
ic
ie
n
c
y
(
%
)
Time of day (h)
Hybrid Nanofluid with forced air
Hybrid Nanofluid
Uncooled Panel
Fig. 7. PV electrical efficiency with time
3.5. Flow rate and Reynolds number effect on the system in
a hybrid experiment
Fig. 8 (a) shows the rising temperature with Reynolds num-
ber. Fig. 8 (b) shows the solar radiation intensity with Reyn-
olds number.
57
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
R
is
in
g
T
e
m
p
e
ra
tu
re
(
°C
)
Reylonds number
unclooled panel
Nano fluid
Nano fluid with forced air
Fig. 8 (a). Rising temperature with Reynolds number
1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000
0
200
400
600
800
1000
S
o
la
r
R
a
d
a
ti
o
n
I
n
te
n
s
it
y
,
G
(W
/m
2
)
Reynolds Number
Solar Radiation
Fig. 8 (b). Solar Radiation Intensity with Reynolds number.
Fig. 8 (a) shows the rising temperature with Reynolds's
number of hybrid nanofluids with forced air, hybrid
nanofluid, and uncooled panels. This figure compares ris-
ing temperature with the Reynolds number. When the
Reynolds number is 1000, the rising temperatures for hy-
brid nanofluids with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and un-
cooled panels are 5.2, 4.8, and 4.4 °C, respectively. The
maximum rising temperature occurs when the Reynolds
number is 6000, such as 9.2, 8.9, and 8.1 °C, respectively.
At 9000, the rising temperature of the three panels is 6.6,
6.4, and 6.2 °C, respectively. Figure. 8 (b) shows the Solar
Radiation Intensity with Reynolds number. This figure com-
pares Solar Radiation Intensity and the Reynolds number.
When the Reynolds number is 1000, the Solar Radiation In-
tensity is 700 G (W/m²). The maximum Solar Radiation In-
tensity occurs when the Reynolds number is 5000, such as
850 G (W/m²). At 9000, the Solar Radiation Intensity is 720
G (W/m²), respectively. It was observed that both the fluid's
flow velocity and the intensity of the sun's light affected the
temperature differential. Due to an increase in the coeffi-
cient of heat transmission, the PV surface temperature de-
creases as the Re number increases. The improvement in
heat transmission between the fluid's interior and exterior
was calculated to be around 9.6 °C if a 2-weight percent hy-
brid nanofluid was used in the PVT regime.
3.6. Comparison between hybrid nanofluids (2 wt%
Al2O3/ZnO) and the nanofluid (2 wt% Al2O3)
The 2 wt% Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid evaluated in this ex-
perimental work was also compared to the 2 wt% Al2O3
nanofluids investigated in the earlier study [22]. Table 4
shows the outcomes of the two kinds of nanofluids. Alt-
hough not as a hybrid, Al2O3 nanofluid also demonstrated
good performance. Cooling the PV panels with Al2O3
nanofluid showed the least gain in performance.
Table 4. Comparison between nanofluids
Parameter
2 wt
%Al2O3
2 wt%Al2O3/ZnO
Increased output
power
12.3 11.1
Maximum power, W 46.2 46.6
Electrical efficiency 15.6 17.6
Reduction in PV sur-
face temperatures
19.8 20.9
The rising tempera-
ture of nanofluids,◦C
9.4 9.6
3.7. Numerical Simulation
Fig. 9. Temperature distribution of serpentine pipe
The temperature distribution of a serpentine pipe at solar
noon is shown in Fig. 9. The effects of cooling methods on
heat transfer specification and PVT performance are exam-
ined through the presentation and analysis of the CFD sim-
ulation results. The findings indicate that the temperature
rose in the flow direction. This is because the PV panel ab-
sorbs more heat in the direction of flow, which leads to the
photovoltaic panel cooling down.
4. Conclusions
The current study's experimental setup comprises three
identical solar panels with distinct cooling methods operat-
ing in a single-pass flow. The first solar panel, PV-1, was
cooled with a hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO (2 wt% weight
58
Відновлювана енергетика. №1/2025 | Сонячна енергетика
proportion). While the third panel, PV-3, was used without
cooling, the second panel, PV-2, was cooled by a hybrid
nanofluid with forced air. The cooling fluid flow rate was
varied during the experiments, ranging from 1 to 3 L/min.
The PV-3 reference panel was used to compare the results.
The following is a list of the most significant findings
1. The study showed that utilizing a 2-weight percent hy-
brid nanofluid with forced air to cool the PV panels pro-
duced the best results.
2. The findings demonstrated that the use of hybrid
nanofluids with forced air resulted in the largest drop in
PV surface temperatures of 20.5 % compared to an un-
cooled panel, enhancing the PV system's performance.
3. The output power for cooling using a hybrid nanofluid
with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and an uncooled panel
was 45.6, 44.1, and 40.2 W, respectively. This means
that, compared to the uncooled panels, the output
power has increased by 11.2 %.
4. The temperature of hybrid nanofluid with forced air
temperature rose by 9.8°C and the hybrid nanofluid's
temperature by 9.4 °C. With hybrid nanofluid with
forced air, the electrical energy efficiency increased
most significantly, by 17.9 %.
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|
| id | veorgua-article-506 |
| institution | Vidnovluvana energetika |
| keywords_txt_mv | keywords |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-07-19T01:15:05Z |
| publishDate | 2025 |
| publisher | Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine |
| record_format | ojs |
| resource_txt_mv | veorgua/88/d7ec67a2f7a65bc02ac756ef61366488.pdf |
| spelling | veorgua-article-5062026-07-18T06:32:21Z PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID Kuppusamy , S. Saravanan , Dh. Kumarasamy , S. Pandian , B. Photovoltaic panel, Hybrid nanofluid, Serpentine pipe, Efficiency, Power, Lifespan. Solar power offers a chance to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuels, a crucial consideration for nations heavily reliant on energy imports. Hybrid nanoparticles have been used for PV cooling to enhance the efficiency and perfor-mance of solar panels. This study investigates the use of nanofluids to improve power production, lifespan, and effi-ciency. Three photovoltaic panels with different cooling meth-ods were tested in this study. The effect of a 2 wt % Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid was assessed at flow speeds ranging from 1 to 3 liters per minute. Three panels, PV-1, PV-2, and PV-3, are used in this experiment. A 2 wt % hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO is used to study the first solar panel (PV-1), often known as PV-one. The second solar panel (PV-2), called PV-two, is cooled using forced air and a 2 wt % hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO. In contrast, PV-three, the third panel (PV-3), had no cooling. When an Al2O3/ZnO hybrid nanofluid with forced air was used, the electrical energy efficiency increased the most, at 17.9 %. Additionally, using a hybrid nanofluid of Al2O3/ZnO produced a 17.5 % outcome, whereas an uncooled panel produced a 15.1 % result. In contrast to the hybrid nanofluid, which had a temperature of about 9.4 °C, the hybrid nanofluid with forced air had a temperature increase of 9.8 °C. Compared to the uncooled panels, this resulted in an 11.2 % increase in output power. The maximum output powers for cooling with hybrid nanofluid with forced air, hybrid nanofluid, and uncooled panels were 45.6, 44.1, and 40.2 W, respectively. Additionally, the CFD was used to evaluate the serpentine pipe thermal performance. Institute of Renewable Energy National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine 2025-03-31 Article Article application/pdf https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/506 10.36296/1819-8058.2025.1(80).51-59 Vidnovluvana energetika ; No. 1(80) (2025): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 51-59 Возобновляемая энергетика; ##issue.no## 1(80) (2025): Scientific and applied Journal renewable energy ; 51-59 Відновлювана енергетика; № 1(80) (2025): Науково-прикладний журнал Відновлювана енергетика; 51-59 2664-8172 1819-8058 10.36296/1819-8058.2025.1(80) en https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/506/415 Copyright (c) 2025 S. Kuppusamy , Dh. Saravanan , S. Kumarasamy , B. Pandian https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0 |
| spellingShingle | Photovoltaic panel Hybrid nanofluid Serpentine pipe Efficiency Power Lifespan. Kuppusamy , S. Saravanan , Dh. Kumarasamy , S. Pandian , B. PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title | PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title_full | PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title_fullStr | PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title_full_unstemmed | PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title_short | PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF A HYBRID SOLAR FLAT PLATE PVT MODULE USING AL2O3/ZNO NANOFLUID |
| title_sort | performance analysis of a hybrid solar flat plate pvt module using al2o3/zno nanofluid |
| topic | Photovoltaic panel Hybrid nanofluid Serpentine pipe Efficiency Power Lifespan. |
| topic_facet | Photovoltaic panel Hybrid nanofluid Serpentine pipe Efficiency Power Lifespan. |
| url | https://ve.org.ua/index.php/journal/article/view/506 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT kuppusamys performanceanalysisofahybridsolarflatplatepvtmoduleusingal2o3znonanofluid AT saravanandh performanceanalysisofahybridsolarflatplatepvtmoduleusingal2o3znonanofluid AT kumarasamys performanceanalysisofahybridsolarflatplatepvtmoduleusingal2o3znonanofluid AT pandianb performanceanalysisofahybridsolarflatplatepvtmoduleusingal2o3znonanofluid |