Thermal Management and Electrical Efficiency for Concentrator Photovoltaic Systems Using Multiple Phase Change Materials

Abstract

The performance of solar panels in generating electrical energy is closely tied to the effectiveness of the employed cooling system. While the utilization of phase change materials (PCMs) as latent thermal units as a cooling system has been suggested for recovering solar panels’ heat, research focusing on a comprehensive comparison of various PCMs for this purpose has been lacking. To address this gap, our study aims to provide a thorough comparative analysis of three distinct PCMs: Gallium, Paraffin RT35HC and CaCl2.6H2O. The objective is to determine the most efficient PCM for cooling solar panels. Using Fluent-Ansys-based numerical simulations, our study investigates the transient (unsteady) thermal exchange between PCMs and a solar panel. The research examines various PCM types housed in a container behind the solar panel, while also assessing the impact of inclination angles (0° to 90°) on thermal and electrical efficiency. Our results highlight Gallium's superior cooling performance and sustained high electrical efficiency. Conversely, CaCl2.6H2O leads to decreased electrical efficiency (less cooling performance), while RT35HC shows potential at extreme angles with a slight efficiency decline (∼10.2%). By offering a comprehensive comparative assessment of diverse PCMs and considering the influence of inclination angles, our study contributes valuable insights to optimizing solar panel cooling systems and enhancing overall energy generation efficiency.