Bio-inspired passive cooling of photovoltaic modules using Sphagnum palustre moss: An experimental study
APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING, cilt.303, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 303
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.132501
- Dergi Adı: APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Compendex, INSPEC, DIALNET, Business Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
This study investigates the potential of Sphagnum palustre moss as a completely natural, passive evaporative cooling medium for photovoltaic (PV) modules. Unlike synthetic hydrogels or complex biomimetic structures, the proposed system utilises the innate porous structure and high water-retention capacity (up to 20 times its dry weight) of natural moss to facilitate rapid heat dissipation. Experimental evaluations conducted under effective solar irradiances of 510.4-820.9 W/m2 demonstrate that the moss-cooled configuration achieves a remarkable temperature reduction of 27.4-39.8 degrees C compared to uncooled standalone panels. These thermal improvements translate into relative power gains of 6.10% to 11.66% and an exceptional evaporative cooling power of up to 598 W/m2. The results establish Sphagnum palustre as a highly effective, biodegradable, and low-cost alternative for PV thermal management, offering performance competitive with advanced engineered cooling materials whilst ensuring long-term environmental sustainability.