Abstract
High power conversion efficiency (PCE) with long system life is imperative in photovoltaic (PV) applications. However, both are adversely affected by high operating temperatures, underscoring the need for efficient PV thermal management technologies. This thesis aims to address this challenge through detailed multiphysics simulation, advanced material integration, and biomimetic device engineering.A validated multiphysics framework coupling electrical and thermal processes is developed to investigate PV heat generation. The model predicts current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and temperature fields under uniform irradiance. Simultaneously, a generalized electrical model resolves partial shading effects through reverse-bias dynamics and shading pattern recognition, quantifying hotspot formation across system-level complexities.
Guided by these findings, a self-adaptive wicking evaporator (SWE) integrates siphon-driven evaporation with climate-responsive control, achieving irradiance-modulated cooling with a temperature reduction of 20 °C. It operates at 433 mL/(h·m²) water consumption and near-zero energy input. Complementing this, a passive cooling strategy inspired by oceanic circulation employs membrane-encapsulated hygroscopic solutions. Solar heating, radiative cooling, and moisture sorption thermochemistry synergize to sustain temperature-salinity gradients, maintaining a temperature reduction of 18.2 °C with 0.5 °C/h degradation.
Based on the above technologies, the thesis further explores the methods to utilize PV waste heat. A tuna gill-inspired device demonstrates quadruple adsorption kinetics via dual-sided membrane encapsulation and capillary-structured surfaces. Combined with hydrostatic pressure-driven oscillatory flow under PV panels, multi-stage configurations achieve a temperature reduction of 20.2 °C at 0.2°C/h degradation. The system adaptively switches between atmospheric water harvesting and dehumidification based on humidity, outperforming existing technologies in efficiency and operational versatility.
In summary, this work provides a holistic methodology for sustainable PV thermal management. The developed framework advances fundamental understanding of the PV heat generation and dissipation. The proposed device innovations provide practical pathways to improve PCE and versatility. These innovations can play a significant role in advancing sustainable energy-water nexus, especially in buildings.
| Date of Award | 8 Sept 2025 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Wei WU (Supervisor) |