Guest Editors
Assoc. Prof. Taher Maatallah
Email: tsmaatallah@iau.edu.sa
Affiliation: Mechanical and Energy Engineering Department, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, 31441, Saudi Arabia
Homepage:
Research Interests: concentrating photovoltaics, thermal management, multiphysics modelling, cooling strategies, hybrid PV/T systems, heat transfer enhancement
Summary
Concentrating Photovoltaic (CPV) technology represents a paradigm shift in solar energy conversion, offering the potential for significantly higher electrical efficiencies and reduced material costs compared to conventional photovoltaics. However, the inherent consequence of optical concentration is the generation of immense thermal flux, leading to extreme operating temperatures that severely degrade cell efficiency, reliability, and lifespan. This challenge is particularly acute in high-insolation regions, which are otherwise ideal for CPV deployment. Advanced thermal management is therefore not merely an ancillary consideration but a fundamental enabler for the commercial viability and long-term sustainability of CPV systems. The complexity of this challenge demands a holistic approach that integrates cutting-edge cooling architectures with high-fidelity Multiphysics modeling to accurately simulate the coupled opto-thermal-electrical- mechanical phenomena. This special issue is dedicated to addressing these critical interdisciplinary challenges, exploring innovative solutions that push the boundaries of heat dissipation, temperature uniformity, and energy cogeneration in next-generation CPV systems.
This Special Issue, "Advanced Thermal Management and Modeling in Concentrating Photovoltaic Systems" aims to collate high-quality original research and review articles that present the latest breakthroughs in understanding, designing, and optimizing the thermal and modeling aspects of CPV systems. We seek to provide a platform for researchers to share innovative cooling strategies, advanced numerical and experimental methodologies, and techno-economic analyses that bridge the gap between laboratory research and field deployment. The scope encompasses fundamental studies on heat transfer mechanisms, the development of novel passive and active cooling techniques, and the creation of robust Multiphysics models that can predict system performance under real-world operating conditions. By fostering the exchange of knowledge on these fronts, this issue intends to chart a course toward more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective CPV technologies for a sustainable energy future.
Contributions are invited on, but not limited to, the following topics:
· Novel Cooling Technologies for CPV: Microchannel and microjet impingement cooling, pin-fin heat sinks, phase change materials (PCMs), heat pipes, liquid immersion cooling, and hybrid cooling systems.
· Advanced Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation: Coupled opto-thermal-electrical-mechanical modeling (CFD, FEA), digital twin development, multi-scale simulations, and numerical analysis of thermal stresses and deformation.
· Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) CPV Systems: Design, optimization, and performance analysis of systems for concurrent electrical and thermal energy generation (cogeneration).
· Thermal Management under Extreme Conditions: Strategies for maintaining performance and reliability in high-insolation and harsh desert climates.
· Materials for Thermal Management: Advanced thermal interface materials, selective coatings, and the development of composites for enhanced heat dissipation.
· Experimental Validation and Characterization: Laboratory and field-testing of CPV thermal management systems, infrared thermography, and performance durability studies.
· Techno-economic and Lifecycle Analysis: Cost-benefit analysis, lifecycle assessment, and feasibility studies of advanced thermal management solutions for CPV.
· Optimization and Control Strategies: AI and machine learning applications for real-time thermal control and system optimization...
Keywords
thermal management; concentrating photovoltaics (CPV); multiphysics modeling; heat dissipation; microchannel cooling; hybrid PV/thermal system; high-concentration photovoltaics (HCPV); opto-thermal simulation; heat sink design; solar energy conversion
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