The College of Engineering at the University of Baghdad held a public discussion for the master’s thesis submitted by postgraduate student Hassanein Saady Hussein from the Department of Energy Engineering, titled:
“Determination of Power Losses and Heat Generation in Solar Cells for Photovoltaic-Thermal Applications.”
The discussion took place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in the Conference Hall of the Department of Petroleum Engineering, under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Adawiya Ali Hamzah.
The thesis aimed to study the thermal and electrical losses in multi-crystalline photovoltaic cells and explore the possibility of recovering the lost thermal energy for use in both thermal and electrical applications, thereby enhancing the overall performance of photovoltaic systems in hot environments.
The research included several key recommendations, including:
- Conducting an experimental study on the solar spectrum using a spectroradiometer to obtain more accurate data within the wavelength range of 250–1250 nm, which would enhance the precision of theoretical models related to photovoltaic–thermal performance.
- Combining experimental results with numerical modeling and simulation (e.g., MATLAB or COMSOL Multiphysics) to validate the thermal–electrical behavior of photovoltaic modules and predict their performance under different climatic conditions.
- Investigating the redesign of solar cell busbars to serve as dual-purpose structures—conducting electricity and extracting heat. This could involve integrating high thermal conductivity materials or microfluidic channels within the busbars to manage heat effectively without compromising electrical output, offering a compact and efficient thermal management solution for photovoltaic systems in hot climates.
After the student’s defense and the committee’s deliberation, the examination committee decided to accept the thesis and award the student a Master’s degree in Energy Engineering with distinction.
