Cooling photovoltaic modules with sphagnum palustre: A nature-based evaporative approach
V. International Fırat Scientific Research Congress, Elazığ, Türkiye, 24 - 26 Temmuz 2026, ss.100-110, (Tam Metin Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Tam Metin Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Elazığ
- Basıldığı Ülke: Türkiye
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.100-110
- Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Increasing the operating temperature of photovoltaic (PV) modules results in significant reductions in electrical efficiency and power output. In this study, the potential of natural Sphagnum palustre moss, with its highly porous cellular structure and high water-retention capacity, as a passive evaporative cooling material for PV modules was experimentally investigated. The experiments were conducted under controlled laboratory conditions at an effective solar irradiance of 820.9 W/m² using a halogen-lamp-based solar simulator. The thermal and electrical performance of an uncooled reference PV module and a PV module with a water-saturated moss layer on its rear surface were compared. The application of the moss layer reduced the PV module surface temperature from 89.1 °C to 49.3 °C, a decrease of 39.8 °C. The maximum power output increased from 7.87 W to 8.77 W, while the electrical efficiency improved from 10.65% to 11.88%. Accordingly, a relative power enhancement of 11.51% was achieved with the moss-based cooling system. During the experiment, 10.01 g of water evaporated, corresponding to an evaporative cooling power of 53.79 W. The results demonstrate that Sphagnum palustre moss can provide effective cooling for PV modules without requiring fans, pumps, or external energy input, offering a natural, low-cost, and environmentally friendly passive thermal management solution.