Performance improvement of solar PV module through hybrid cooling system with thermoelectric coolers and phase change material

Abstract

This work aims to substantiate the relationship between efficiency of solar modules and the effect of thermoelectric in cooling solar modules in combination (series) with the phase changing material (PCM). Thermoelectric effect is attributed to the “Peltier effect,” and cooling effect of PCM can be attributed to “latent” energy storage. This article focuses on designing a hybrid cooling technique that combines the effect of these two methods to improve solar cell performance, based on the fact that electrical efficiency of solar panels decreases with an increase in module temperature. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software, a simulation study is carried out for different casing materials and PCMs to reach the best combination of Vaseline as PCM and Silver as the back casing, showing the highest increment in panel efficiency of 9.7%. An experimental study is conducted to compare different cooling techniques involving TECs and PCMs. TECs provide better cooling than PCMs under similar conditions as panel efficiency increases by 5.73%. When combined with the finning effect (using copper tubes), PCM is more effective in increasing panel efficiency by 4.27% compared to 3.26% when PCM is added to the casing. Accordingly, an innovative Hybrid Cooling Technique is designed in which the combined cooling effects of TECs, PCMs, and Aluminium Heat Sinks are tested. It is observed that electrical efficiency and panel efficiency show a maximum increment of 19.4% and 19.32%, respectively, with Hybrid Cooling System. Hence, this combination of Peltier effect and latent energy storage provides enhanced cooling to improve solar module performance.