A Review of Heat Batteries Based PV Module Cooling—Case Studies on Performance Enhancement of Large-Scale Solar PV System

Karthikeyan Velmurugan,Bothaina Samih Abou El Khier,Kanchanok Emsaeng,Kuaanan Techato,Joshuva Arockia Dhanraj,El-Awady Attia,Vaithinathan Karthikeyan,Pham Van De,Md Shahariar Chowdhury,Rajvikram Madurai Elavarasan,Tulja Bhavani Korukonda

doi:10.3390/su14041963

Abstract

Several studies have concentrated on cooling the PV module temperature (TPV) to enhance the system’s electrical output power and efficiency in recent years. In this review study, PCM-based cooling techniques are reviewed majorly classified into three techniques: (i) incorporating raw/pure PCM behind the PV module is one of the most straightforward techniques; (ii) thermal additives such as inter-fin, nano-compound, expanded graphite (EG), and others are infused in PCM to enhance the heat transfer rate between PV module and PCM; and (iii) thermal collectors that are placed behind the PV module or inside the PCM container to minimize the PCM usage. Advantageously, these techniques favor reusing the waste heat from the PV module. Further, in this study, PCM thermophysical properties are straightforwardly discussed. It is found that the PCM melting temperature (Tmelt) and thermal conductivity (KPCM) become the major concerns in cooling the PV module. Based on the literature review, experimentally proven PV-PCM temperatures are analyzed over a year for UAE and Islamabad locations using typical meteorological year (TMY) data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) data source in 1 h frequency.

Highlights

Renewable energy sources are actively adopted as non-conventional energy sources to reduce fossil fuel consumption and global warming [1,2]
The cell/device is a semi-conducting current generator that works on the photovoltaic effect; that is, it absorbs the photonic energy/photons from the solar radiation that results in a potential difference resulting in photocurrent to flow [13,14]
Developed composite PCM integrated behind the PV module without using a physical contact to avoid the potential induced degradation (PID) loss

Summary

Introduction

Renewable energy sources are actively adopted as non-conventional energy sources to reduce fossil fuel consumption and global warming [1,2]. Among the alternative and renewable energies, solar energy being pioneer, photovoltaic, and thermal technologies. The cell/device is a semi-conducting current generator that works on the photovoltaic effect; that is, it absorbs the photonic energy/photons from the solar radiation that results in a potential difference resulting in photocurrent to flow [13,14]. While the photocurrent is a function of the incident solar radiation, this radiation has side effects on the device, eventually affecting the power conversion efficiency [15]. The device is exposed to thermal radiation, which gradually heats the device/module temperature. This increase in module temperature (TPV) mainly affects the voltage profile of the PV module [16]

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion