Performance investigation of metal foam coupled to phase change material as coolant of photovoltaic concentrator systems: Optimization and electrical efficiency analysis

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This research investigates the integration of graphitic metal foam with paraffin RT35HC to manage and reduce the temperature of PV cells, focusing on the rigorous examination of the synergistic effects of metal foam porosity and panel inclination on thermal management. A 2D numerical model was developed using ANSYS Fluent 14.0, where User-Defined Functions (UDFs) were employed to incorporate the Darcy-Brinkman-Forchheimer and Carman-Kozeny equations, accurately accounting for the effects of metal foam porosity on thermal conductivity and fluid flow resistance. Various foam porosities (ε = 0.80, 0.85, 0.90, 0.95, 1) were explored on both vertical and tilted panels across a spectrum of inclination angles (β= 0°, 30°, 45°, 75°, 90°). Results highlight critical parameters including PCM melting fraction, cell temperature evolution, and the resultant impact on solar cell electrical efficiency, both with and without metal foam. The integration of graphitic foam with RT35HC contributed to superior heat transfer and a marked reduction in cell temperature of the employed PV system by improving thermal conductivity and heat dissipation, particularly at slight inclination angles (β =0° to 30°), revealing a noteworthy enhancement in electrical efficiency ranging from 1.3 % to 3 %, respectively. Conversely, the absence of graphitic foam at steeper angles (β =45° to 90°) surprisingly strengthens the solar panel’s electrical performance. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of metal foam integration at varying inclination angles, offering a pathway for the development of more efficient and reliable solar energy systems.