Page 9 - R&D News June 2021
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mm and is about 18 ± 5 ◦C
when the gap increased to
250–300 mm in the numerical
study. All the five panels were
at a quite close temperature at
all radiation levels. By
increasing the radiation inten-
sity, the temperature differ-
ence between inlet and outlet
points also increases in almost
all of the runs. At 1000 W/m2,
the mean array temperature Details of the experimental layout
with G = 0 mm was about 80 ◦
C compared to 68 ◦C with G = When asked what inspired
200 mm, which shows 12 ◦C Prof Ong and his research
temperature reduction.” team to take on the project,
Prof Ong replied, “This pro-
In a conclusion, the Computa- ject came as a result of an
tional Fluid Dynamics (CFD) external grant funded by the
simulation shows that uniform Ministry of Higher Education
temperature distribution was (MOHE) Public-Private
observed along with the five Research Network. The pro-
panels at all radiation levels. ject was carried out between
Surface temperatures decrease MOHE and Solarvest Sdn. Arrays of solar panels
with increasing air gaps and Bhd.”
radiation intensity. Significant Related News:
temperature differences are Prof Ong has been active in
observed with gaps greater Solar Energy since his early Seminar on Solar
than about 200 up to 300 mm days with the University of PV Technology
due to possible interacting Malaya (UM) in the 1970s.
effects of convection and radi- For this project, he managed PV Cooling
ation heat transfer between to get his contacts in UM and Seminar
roof and PV panels. The CFD UiTM together to carry out
simulation follows the experi- the study.
mental results quite closely.
While the efficiency of the PV
panel in STC is 18.04%, it
drops to 14.17% when the gap
is 0 mm and increases to Learn more and get in touch:
15.01% and 15.44% for the Prof Ir Dr Ong Kok Seng
gaps of 200 mm and 250 mm. Email: skong@utar.edu.my
