Investigating the impact of using a ND-PCM on the thermal management of solar PV panels

Abstract

The transformation of renewable radiation of the sun into usable electrical energy has become the research interest as the price of solar power remains to drop due to political reasons made by the government to encourage the use of greener forms of electrical energy. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the solar panel is an important consideration, and it typically ranges around 14%. The top-face solar panel temperature has been dramatically changing during the day as a result of obtaining direct sun's rays, which is one of the most important factors contributing to its productivity. Therefore, in order to achieve an enhanced efficacy of solar panel (SP) in terms of its functionality, adequate thermal administration of the solar panel seems to be essential. To deploy a Nano Disbanded Phase Changing Substance (ND-PCM), the authors of this study taken the opportunity to upsurge the efficacy of solar panels by more accurately governing the heat generation that these panels absorb through the ND-PCM. The ND-PCM had been created through the dissemination of nano-alumina inside an organic paraffin in 0.5 mass fraction. In the course of investigation, two solar panels, each with the capacities of 40 Wp and identical dimensions had been deployed to take the observations. One solar panel, which had not been altered in any way, and it was given the designation of Plain-SP, and another solar panel, which had been merged with the ND-PCM in order to regulate heat generation, had been given the designation as ND-PCM-SP. Both of such photovoltaic panels (SP) were analyzed on the strong sunshine conditions from the hours of 9 AM to 4 PM. According to the findings, the utilization of ND-PCM resulted in a notable decrease in the SP's average temperature and an increase in the power conversion efficacy of 1.9% recorded.