Análise de viabilidade de utilização da geotermia no aumento do rendimento de placas fotovoltaicas

Abstract

Solar energy is an inexhaustible renewable and clean source, thus becoming a promising alternative to meet the challenges of the growing demand for energy on the planet. Photovoltaic energy becomes a highly viable alternative for Brazil, since it is located near the Equator Line, a region with high solar incidence. It has benefits such as reduced energy bills, ease of installation and the possibility of taking electricity to isolated locations. However, photovoltaic panels suffer a drop in their performance due to the heating of cells through incident irradiation. In view of this, the present work seeks the use of geothermal energy for the cooling of these panels and consequent increase in their efficiency. This article proposes to increase their efficiency through the use of geothermal energy for cooling these panels and, consequently, increases their efficiency. This research points to gains of 2 to 4% in the yield of the photovoltaic panel besides a drop of 10°C approximately in its operation temperature.