Domestic solar PV panel water cooling DIY system
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Shows how you can boost your home solar panel output with a simple DIY automatic water cooling system
Comments
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My works too. I used Inplix handbooks and build it without any problems.
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Check Inplix if you'd like to build it yourself :)
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So i made it too . just by using inplix scripts:)
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I'll use Inplix instructions to make it by myself.
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Thank you for providing an overview of your cooling system! I'm currently planning to build a similar system for my array and was wondering if you've run into heat-failure of the black poly-tubing you are clamping to the panels. The tubing is generally rated for temperatures under 60°C, and it seems reasonable that you can reach or exceed this temperature given the Australian summer and properties of the panels. Of course, with the cooling system running, you should never reach this temperature.
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I just read through a moderate amount of the "solarpaneltalk thread starting from your Jan 2015 1st post on your system. I was astounded at the degree of arrogance, self importance and pig-ignorance shown by many of the allegedly more experienced and capable people on that site. It seems likely that the more moderate comments on commercial viability and cost benefit had some merit and were worth discussing - but many of the "technical" comments demonstrated gross failure to engage/read or think. Very sad.
I don't know how it worked out for you and whether you are still using it. It would be interesting to hear.
In 2007 I tried "film cooling" and old 50W BP panel that was then about 25 years old [!]. I ran as thin a continuous sheet of water down the panel face as I could manage. Results were pleasingly good (even in Auckland NZ) . I did not pursue it nor have I used it subsequently but it added to my knowledge base.
Russell McMahon. Auckland NZ. apptechnz at gmail -
Go to inplix page if you'd like to know how to build it. Great solutions for everyone I think
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Nice done. Do you have any information of influence of such cooling to life time of photovoltaic panels
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Nice job. I recall seeing an article where a manufacturer integrated water heating with panel cooling. Don't recall if it ever hit the market.
Thinking about even water coverage, maybe the old fashion spinning sprinkler would do the trick. Also adding some short walls around the panels may stop the wind from evaporate/blowing the mist. Perhaps a calm area above the panels would aid the sprinkler coverage. -
If you want to make your own eco tool yourself just look for Inplix website. There is all you need to make it :)
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Umm 5kWh for 50L? If you're going to bluff science, at least make it plausible 😋
As for the warranty, well... I'd rather enjoy a life of tinkering, making mistakes and voiding warranties along the way. Things always seem to work out great though and I have a ton of fun stories. -
Hi Gary - yes that's what it currently runs on: https://youtu.be/AfBTMVGnHOw
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Extremely interesting system!
1) Have you considered using RO instead of a softener? RO has some downsides but it's going to be mostly ion-free, so no scale. RO water is a bit corrosive to metal pipes but your whole system is plastic.
2) Be careful about the cooling system shading the panels. Minor shading can have profound impact on performance. You don't want your system to be activating the bypass diodes in normal conditions. -
I went through this myself so I was interested in how you handled scale build-up. I just used rainwater in the end which worked well. I also didn't recirculate but just sprayed water on and let it fully evaporate to get maximum cooling for minimum electricity and water use. My control system was a bit more advanced using temp difference between ambient and panel to decide when to do cooling- basically when 7 degrees hotter than ambient. I should look at buying a little pump like yours too because mine is way too big. I have some videos on my channel if you are interested, Good on you for what you've achieved!
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Kiss that panel warranty goodbye :).
waste of good drinking water at 50l/day costs more than 5kWh to desalinate the water.
just cut down the stink pipes and add more panels. -
hi everyone ,if anyone else wants to uncover solar panel kits for home try samtawke DIY solar panels (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my friend got amazing success with it.
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