SavedAdd your journal

Journals / Gazi University Journal of Science / 2026 / Volume: 39 Issue: 3

Recycling-Based Passive Cooling of PV Panels Using Copper and Aluminum Waste Particles: An Experimental Study

Müjdat Öztürk(KIRSEHIR AHI EVRAN UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING-ARCHITECTURE)0000-0003-1800-2234
Ramazan Kayabaşı(KAYSERI UNIVERSITY, TOMARZA MUSTAFA AKINCIOĞLU VOCATIONAL SCHOOL)0000-0001-6195-7445
Oğuz Taşdemir(KIRSEHIR AHI EVRAN UNIVERSITY, FACULTY OF ENGINEERING-ARCHITECTURE)0000-0003-1782-0024
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-09-01
🏛️Bibliographic metadata and full text access for this article are provided via DergiPark.
DergiPark Record ↗
✨

AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Overall, the results show that lightweight and recyclable passive cooling elements can significantly enhance PV performance without increasing structural load or energy consumption, offering a practical solution for sustainable PV operation in warming climates.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:The performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules decreases as operating temperatures rise, particularly under high solar irradiance during summer months.
📊
Key Findings & Data:Passive cooling techniques, which operate without external energy input, offer an effective and low cost way to control module temperature and improve electrical output.
💡
Conclusion & Impact:Overall, the results show that lightweight and recyclable passive cooling elements can significantly enhance PV performance without increasing structural load or energy consumption, offering a practical solution for sustainable PV operation in warming climates.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Photovoltaic panel · Passive cooling · Heat transfer

Abstract

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules decreases as operating temperatures rise, particularly under high solar irradiance during summer months. Passive cooling techniques, which operate without external energy input, offer an effective and low cost way to control module temperature and improve electrical output. This study experimentally evaluates two waste based passive cooling materials (aluminum shavings and thin copper fins) mounted on the rear surfaces of PV modules. Three identical 100W monocrystalline panels were tested simultaneously under the same environmental conditions. The first panel was a reference panel, the second panel was coated with aluminum shavings, and the third panel was equipped with thin copper fins recovered from waste capacitor components. These recycled materials were selected for their low cost, availability and high surface area to volume ratio, enabling enhanced convective heat transfer. Temperature, solar irradiance, voltage, current and electrical power were recorded in real time using a custom data acquisition system. During peak radiation hours, the aluminum and copper cooled panels exhibited temperature reductions of approximately 5°C and 8°C, respectively, compared with the reference panel. Correspondingly, the copper cooled panel achieved up to a 5% increase in daily energy output, while the aluminum cooled panel produced a 2–3% improvement. Overall, the results show that lightweight and recyclable passive cooling elements can significantly enhance PV performance without increasing structural load or energy consumption, offering a practical solution for sustainable PV operation in warming climates.

🔖

Cite This Article

Öztürk, M., Kayabaşı, R., Taşdemir, O., *, M. Ö. (2026). Recycling-Based Passive Cooling of PV Panels Using Copper and Aluminum Waste Particles: An Experimental Study. Gazi University Journal of Science, Volume: 39 Issue: 3. https://doi.org/10.35378/gujs.1867598

📄 Full Text PDF Viewer

📄

PDF görüntüleyici hazırlanıyor...

References (41)

  1. IEA., "World Energy Outlook", International Energy Agency, (2023).
  2. IPCC., "Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change", Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, (2022).
  3. Dada, M., and Popoola, P., "Recent advances in solar photovoltaic materials and systems for energy storage applications: a review", Beni-Suef University Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 12:66, (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s43088-023-00405-5
  4. Wang, X., Yang, J., Zhong, J., Yu, J., and Pan, X., "Innovative materials for high-performance tin-based perovskite solar cells: A Review", Polymers, 16:1–18, (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16213053
  5. Krauter, S.C., "Development of an integrated solar home system", Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, 82(1-2):119–130, (2004). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2004.01.010
  6. Abdirahman, A.A., Asif, M., Cuce, E., Ahmed, I., Alqahtani, M., and Khalid, M., "Optimizing PV systems in high-temperature environments: A SWOT-based analysis of cooling technologies", Energy Strategy Reviews, 61:101828, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2025.101828
  7. Sharaf, M., Yousef, M., and Huzayyin, A., "Review of cooling techniques used to enhance the efficiency of photovoltaic power systems", Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29:26131–26159, (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-18719-9
  8. Tahir, M., Dong, X., Khan, M., and Ur Rehman, I., "Thermal management of photovoltaic systems: a comprehensive review of cooling strategies", Solar Energy, 299:113811, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2025.113811
  9. Ibrahim, T., Abou Akrouch, M., Hachem, F., Ramadan, M., Ramadan, H.S., and Khaled, M., "Cooling techniques for enhanced efficiency of photovoltaic panels-Comparative analysis with environmental and economic insights", Energies, 17(3):713, (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030713
  10. Kazem, H., Al-Waeli, A., Chaichan, M., Sopian, K., Ahmed, A.A., and Wan Nor Roslam, W., "Enhancement of photovoltaic module performance using passive cooling (Fins): A comprehensive review", Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 49:103316, (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103316
  11. Yuanjian, L., Memon, A., Enran, H., Ali, M., and Fenta, A., "Performance analysis of a photovoltaic thermal system with ternary nanofluids cooling and dual phase change materials", Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 71:106123, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2025.106123
  12. Zubeer, S., and Mohammed Ali, O., "Experimental and numerical study of low concentration and water-cooling effect on PV module performance", Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 34:102007, (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2022.102007
  13. Abdallah, R., Haddad, T., Zayed, M., Juaidi, A., and Salameh, T., "An evaluation of the use of air cooling to enhance photovoltaic performance", Thermal Science and Engineering Progress, 47:102341, (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsep.2023.102341
  14. Wang, F., Li, Z., Liu, M., Liu, X., Pang, D., Du, W., and Guo, W., "Heat-dissipation performance of photovoltaic panels with a phase-change-material fin structure", Journal of Cleaner Production, 423:138756, (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.138756
  15. Fang, Y.R., Hossain, M.D.S., Said, Z., Alim, M.A., Al-Fatlawi, A.W., Kumar, L., Sleiti, A.K., Selvaraj, J., and Yang, P., "Performance and economic analysis of photovoltaic/thermal systems with phase change materials and a parallel serpentine design in dusty conditions", Applied Thermal Engineering, 268:125890, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2025.125890
  16. Agyekum, E., Kumar, S., Alwan, N., Ivanovich Velkin, V., and Shcheklein, S., "Effect of dual surface cooling of solar photovoltaic panel on the efficiency of the module: experimental investigation", Heliyon, 7(9):e07920, (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07920
  17. Cuce, E., Cuce, P.M., and Guclu, T., "A novel passive cooling configuration for photovoltaic panels based on bio-inspired heatsinks and nanoparticle-enhanced PCM", Applied Thermal Engineering, 130312, (2026). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2026.130312
  18. Kayabaşı, R., and Kaya, M., "Fotovoltaik modüllerde faz değiştiren madde kullanımı ve verimlerine etkisi", Gazi Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi Part C: Tasarım ve Teknoloji, 8(2):262–278, (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.29109/gujsc.642254
  19. Shehram, M., Hamidi, M., Abdul Wahab, A., and Mat Desa, M., "Comprehensive review of hybrid solar cooling systems for buildings: integrating PV and thermal energy storage in phase change materials", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 150:4873–4906, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-025-14119-6
  20. Moshwan, R., Shi, X.L., Zhang, M., Yu, Y., Liu, W.D., Li, M., and Chen, Z.G., "Advances and challenges in hybrid photovoltaic-thermoelectric systems for renewable energy", Applied Energy, 380:125032, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.125032
  21. Elavarasan, R., Pugazhendhi, R., Shafiq, S., Gangatharan, S., Nadarajah, M., and Shafiullah, G., "Efficiency enhancement of PV panels with passive thermal management using PCM: An exhaustive review on materials, designs and effective techniques", Applied Energy, 382:125217, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.125217
  22. Kandeal, A.W., Algazzar, A.M., Elkadeem, M.R., Thakur, A.K., Abdelaziz, G.B., El-Said, E.M., and Sharshir, S.W., "Nano-enhanced cooling techniques for photovoltaic panels: A systematic review and prospect recommendations", Solar Energy, 227:259–272, (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2021.09.013
  23. Abou Akrouch, M., Chahine, K., Faraj, J., Hachem, F., Castelain, C., and Khaled, M., "Advancements in cooling techniques for enhanced efficiency of solar photovoltaic panels: A detailed comprehensive review and innovative classification", Energy and Built Environment, 6(2):248–276, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbenv.2023.11.002
  24. Grubišić Čabo, F., Nižetić, S., Giama, E., and Papadopoulo, A., "Techno-economic and environmental evaluation of passive cooled photovoltaic systems in Mediterranean climate conditions", Applied Thermal Engineering, 169:114947, (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.114947
  25. Bukar, A., Almerbati, A., Shuja, S., and Zubair, S., "Enhancing solar PV panel performance through active and passive cooling techniques: A comprehensive review", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 216:115611, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.115611
  26. Perwez, A., Ahmaed, A., Li, D., Zheng, X., and Qin, G., "Performance enhancement of photovoltaic/thermal system using dimpled channel subjected to forced convection", Renewable Energy, 237:1–11, (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121851
  27. Hasan, D.J., and Farhan, A.A., "Enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic panel using open-cell copper metal foam fins", International Journal of Renewable Energy Research, 9(4):1849–1855, (2019)
  28. Sharma, S., Malik, P., and Sinha, S., "The impact of soiling on temperature and sustainable solar PV power generation: A detailed analysis", Renewable Energy, 237:1–12, (2024). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2024.121864
  29. Miaari, A., and Ali, H., "Technical method in passive cooling for photovoltaic panels using phase change material", Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 49:103283, (2023). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2023.103283
  30. Saidi, S., Brahim, T., and Jemni, A., "Experimental advances in photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems: a comprehensive review of cooling technologies, materials, and performance optimization", Solar Energy, 298:113650, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2025.113650
  31. Dwivedi, P., Sudhakar, K., Sudhakar, K., Solomin, E., and Kirpichnikova, I., "Advanced cooling techniques of P.V. modules: A state of art", Case Studies in Thermal Engineering, 21:100674, (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csite.2020.100674
  32. GEPA., "Solar Energy Potential Atlas", General Directorate of Renewable Energy, (2025). Available online: (Accessed on 8 September 2025) https://gepa.enerji.gov.tr. GEPA.
  33. Parkunam, N., Pandiyan, L., Navaneethakrishnan, G., and Arul, S., "Experimental analysis on passive cooling of flat photovoltaic panel with heat sink and wick structure", Energy Sources Part A, 42(6):653–673, (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15567036.2019.1588429
  34. Nižetić, S., Jurčević, M., Čoko, D., and Arıcı, M., "A novel and effective passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic panel", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 145:111164, (2021). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2021.111164
  35. Ceylan, İ., Yılmaz, S., İnanç, Ö., Ergün, A., Gürel, A.E., Acar, B., and Aksu, A.İ., "Determination of the heat transfer coefficient of PV panels", Energy, 175:978–985, (2019). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.03.152
  36. Zuhur, S., Ceylan, İ., and Ergün, A., "Energy, exergy and environmental impact analysis of concentrated PV/cooling system in Turkey", Solar Energy, 180:567–574, (2019). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2019.01.060
  37. Sanaye, S., and Sarrafi, A., "Optimization of combined cooling, heating and power generation by a solar system", Renewable Energy, 80:699–712, (2015). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2015.02.043
  38. Utomo, B., Darkwa, J., Du, D., and Worall, M., "Solar photovoltaic cooling and power enhancement systems: A review", Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 216:115644, (2025). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2025.115644
  39. Malvika, A., Arunachala, U., and Varun, K., "Sustainable passive cooling strategy for photovoltaic module using burlap fabric-gravity assisted flow: A comparative Energy, exergy, economic, and enviroeconomic analysis", Applied Energy, 326:120036, (2022). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2022.120036
  40. Arifin, Z., Suyitno, S., Tjahjana, D.D.D.P., Juwana, W.E., Putra, M.R.A., and Prabowo, A.R., "The effect of heat sink properties on solar cell cooling systems", Applied Sciences, 10(21):7919, (2020). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app10217919
  41. Fayaz, H., Rahim, N., Hasanuzzaman, M., Nasrin, R., and Rivai, A., "Numerical and experimental investigation of the effect of operating conditions on performance of PVT and PVT-PCM", Renewable Energy, 143:827–841, (2019). DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2019.05.041