Abstract
Photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) panels are devices that convert solar radiation into both heat and electricity. The integration of a phase change material (PCM) in PVT panels can regulate the temperature and improve thermal efficiency. In times of low solar radiation, heat stored in the PCM can be transferred to a heat transfer fluid (HTF) to provide thermal energy. This study experimentally investigated a PCM-filled PVT system and compared it with the conventional water-based PVT system. To enhance the performance of the PCM, bubble was injected, which increased the convection heat transfer. The results showed that PCM was found to effectively suppress PV panel temperature rise. In the bubble-injected case, the maximum temperature rise at the back surface of the PV device decreased 48%, which could effectively increase the thermal efficiency. As a result, the overall temperature of the bubble injection case decreased as the thermal energy from the PV panel was absorbed faster, and the temperature distribution became more uniform. The improved thermal stratification of PCM increased the amount of energy storage. The performance of solar panels was discovered to be greatly enhanced utilizing bubble-driven flow in the PVT-PCM system.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
