Experimental, numerical, and 4E assessment of photovoltaic module using macro-encapsulation of pure and nano phase change material: A comparative analysis

Abstract

Phase Change Material (PCM) for the thermal management of PV modules has been widely used while overlooking long-term viability and cost-effective power generation. To bridge this gap the current study adopted an innovative approach wherein macro-encapsulated pure and nano PCM are seamlessly integrated into the PV module within a rectangular array of tubes. The rectangular tubes with PCM prevent natural convection blockage, creating a fin-like effect on the rear side of the PV module, and minimizing PCM bulk for cost-effective power generation. This study is focused on the comparative assessments based on experimental and 4E analysis of PV modules having PCM (PVPCM) and uses numerical simulations to study the parametric analysis and assess heat transfer mechanisms of PVPCM module. The experimental results show that PV modules with pure PCM (PVPCM-1) and Nano PCM (PVPCM-2) reduce temperatures by 6.96 % and 13.78 % respectively. Performance improves by 7.69 % (PVPCM-1) and 16.32 % (PVPCM-2). PVPCM-2 also recovers 14 % exergy destruction showing the superiority of nano PCM over pure PCM. Numerical results show, that increasing the tilt angle for wind speeds more than 1 m/s raises the average PV temperature by 5.04 K. Economically, PVPCM-2 has a 2.5-year payback versus 2.84 years for unmodified PV.