Abstract
The overall performance of PV-PCM integrated with rectangular straight fins is analysed by three-dimensional transient numerical simulations. The influence of fin lengths, number of fins (n), and inclination (θ) of the system is investigated and compared with the PV-only system, and an optimal system configuration is then identified. Finite element analysis is used to conduct the simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0. The PV front surface is subjected to a constant flux of 1000 W/m2 for 180 min, and the PCM employed is RT25HC. The results indicate that the average PV temperature tends to drop with increasing inclination and fin length, thereby enhancing the PV efficiency, with maximum improvement attained for the full fin case for a given inclination and number of fins. Compared to the PV-only system, the highest PV temperature reduction and PV efficiency enhancement are 59.65 °C and 45.1%, respectively, for the horizontal system of full-length fins with a number of fins equal to 6. The full-fin PV-PCM system with 6 fins and 45° inclination gives the highest instantaneous power output of 14.16 W. The melting rate of PCM is strongly related to the heat transfer rate inside PCM, and the lowest melting time is obtained for the 8-finned PV-PCM system with θ = 45°. The peak velocity magnitude for all systems with different fin lengths is also examined to analyse the extent of convection levels within PCM.
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