Efficiency improvement in silicon and perovskite solar cells through nanofluid cooling using citrate and PVP stabilized silver nanoparticles.

This study investigates the enhancement of solar cell efficiency using nanofluid cooling systems, focusing on citrate-stabilized and PVP-stabilized silver nanoparticles. Traditional silicon-based and perovskite solar cells were examined to assess the impact of these nanofluids on efficiency improvement and thermal management. A Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to vary nanoparticle concentration (0.2-0.8 wt%), coolant flow rate (0.5-1.5 L/min), and solar irradiance (800-1000 W/m²). Efficiency improvements were measured using Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The experimental setup integrated nanofluid cooling systems with the solar cells, facilitating efficient heat dissipation. Results showed significant efficiency gains: silicon-based cells improved from 15 to 17% with PVP stabilization, and perovskite cells increased from 18 to 21.1%. PVP-stabilized nanofluids exhibited superior thermal conductivity (0.7 W/m K) and lower thermal resistance (0.008 K/W) compared to citrate-stabilized nanofluids, leading to notable reductions in operating temperatures. For silicon cells, temperatures dropped from 50 °C to 40 °C with PVP, and for perovskite cells, from 55 °C to 40 °C. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) identified optimal conditions for maximum efficiency improvement at 0.8 wt% nanoparticle concentration and 1.5 L/min flow rate. These findings underscore the potential of PVP-stabilized nanofluids in enhancing solar cell performance and longevity. Future research should refine the experimental design, increase sample size, and explore other nanoparticle types and stabilization methods to optimize solar cell efficiency and thermal management. This study contributes to the broader goal of promoting the widespread adoption of solar energy as a sustainable alternative to conventional energy sources.