Abstract
The heat generated during solar photovoltaic (PV) operation increases the PV cells temperature and reduces electric power generation. Several cooling strategies have been used to remove the heat generated during the process. One of them is the addition of a layer of phase change materials on the backside of PV panel, which can control PV temperature rise and result in increased electrical conversion efficiency and power output. In this paper, the use of novel Polyethylene Glycol 1500 (PEG 1500) as phase change material (PCM) has been explored. Also, the effect of metal matrix insertion into phase change material integrated with PV has been presented. A comparative study has been done for PV/PCM with and without metal matrices. The Polyethylene Glycol 1500 has a melting temperature in the range of 50 °C–56 °C. PV panel's thermal and electrical performance in outdoor conditions is experimentally investigated. The results indicate that use of PEG 1500 as PCM decreases PV panel temperature by 10.59 % and 14.08 % and enhances electrical efficiency by 5.84 % and 8.87 % for PV/PCM and PV/PCM metal matrix systems, respectively. However, the power output of 40 W panel increases by 2 W and 3.5 W for PV/PCM and PV/PCM metal matrix systems, respectively, when the solar intensity is at its peak.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
