Abstract
Rise in PV module temperature (TPV) majorly drops the electrical output of the PV system. This research presents a novel cylindrical tube PCM matrix that is not in physical contact with the PV module back surface unlike the existing PCM based PV module cooling techniques. This contactless PCM matrix prevents the PV module from thermal and physical stress, also it blocks thermal energy re-conduction from PCM to PV module. While stored thermal energy from PCM retransferred to the PV module during off-sunshine hours and also when the PCM turns to liquid TPV starts to rise abruptly, this contactless PCM matrix minimizes these issues as PCM matrix receives thermal energy by the mode of radiation and convection; Besides, PCM matrix surface area is not enclosed with the PV module back surface area that reduces the thermal stress and re-conduction. Developed PCM matrix is integrated beneath the PV module at particular distances of 6 mm, 9 mm and 12 mm to optimize the spacing between PV module and PCM matrix. It is found that 6 mm spacing PCM matrix reduced the TPV maximum of 2.5°C compared to 9 mm and 12 mm spacing. This TPV reduction enhanced the PV module electrical output by 0.2 % than PV without PCM and it is observed that 6 mm is an optimal spacing for the radiation source PCM matrix.
Highlights
The adoption of urbanized and modernized culture forces us to consume excessive power in our daily life and it is predicted that global energy consumption will increase by 50% by 2050 [1]
phase change materials (PCMs) containers are integrated on the PV module tedlar surface using physical contact to achieve the effective heat transfer
Does not restrict the airflow to the PV module back surface that makes this system unique and free from thermal resistance, as an increase in resistivity could create a negative impact on the PV module cooling process
Summary
The adoption of urbanized and modernized culture forces us to consume excessive power in our daily life and it is predicted that global energy consumption will increase by 50% by 2050 [1]. Global total energy production is about 25721 TWh in 2019, among which coal, gas and nuclear energy sources combined to produce 71.4% [2], [3]. This rapid consumption of fossil and nuclear fuels directly increases global warming. To reduce fossil fuel consumption and eradicate the adverse effects of global warming, renewable energy-based power productions should be widely employed. Among various available renewable sources and systems, the solar PV systems gained popularity owing to their low-cost maintenance and fascinating power conversion efficiencies i.e about 19 % for conventional Silicon based PV system [4], [5]. Studies reveal that an increase in every 1 ◦C of TPV higher than the standard test condition (STC) causes reduction in the electrical output power by 0.3-0.4 % [11], [12]
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