Enhancing Solar Panel Efficiency Through Wind Turbine Wake Cooling: A Large Eddy Simulation Study

Elevated surface temperatures have an adverse effect on photovoltaic (PV) solar panel efficiency by reducing their energy conversion efficiency. By putting photovoltaic (PV) panels in the wakes produced by horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT), this study explores a potential solution to this problem. In particular, the possibility of the wake cooling effects from a 5MW NREL HAWT to lower PV panel temperatures is examined through LES. Evaluating and modeling the cooling effect while testing different panel height and distance combinations behind the wind turbine are the goals. By using these simulations, the research hopes to determine where PV panels should be placed in order to maximum efficiency benefits. The results of the study will leverage natural resources to help construct more sustainable and effective wind-solar hybrid energy systems.