Experimental and numerical analysis of PV-PCM integrated with novel shaped corrugated fins

Abstract

In this paper, performance of a PV-PCM system with novel internal corrugated fins is analysed by dynamic simulation and experiments for the inclinations of 0°, 15°, and 30° against a flux of 750 W/m2 using a solar simulator. The impact of fins (n) is investigated numerically, and the optimal number of fins is found. Performance parameters such as temperature, power output, and efficiency are compared for PV, PV-PCM, and finned PV-PCM systems. The validity of the numerical model is established by comparing the simulated and experimental PV temperatures, which reduces cost and time and allows the numerical models to optimise the design and performance of the system. Results showed that an increase in inclination leads to improved performance of the PV due to an increased convection heat transfer rate. The effect of the fins is pronounced at lower inclinations. Corrugated fins enhance the heat transfer rate compared to traditional flat fins, and the heat transfer enhancement characteristics of corrugated fins within the finned PV-PCM system can provide valuable insights for optimised performance. Compared to the PV-only system, the maximum PV temperature reductions for PV-PCM and finned PV-PCM systems are 30.1 °C and 38.6 °C for θ=0° and 25.23 °C and 34.1 °C for θ=30°. The optimal number of fins is 4 for all inclinations. The maximum efficiency enhancement for optimal systems decreased from 28.15 % at θ = 0° to 22.27 % at θ = 30°. Finally, the experimental performance of finned PV-PCM at a latitude corresponding to Calicut, India, is also conducted.