Thermal mapping of photovoltaic module cooling via radiation-based phase change material matrix: A case study of a large-scale solar farm in Thailand

Abstract

Under tropical conditions, an increase in solar irradiance abruptly increases the operating temperature of a Photovoltaic (PV) module. This, in turn, deteriorates the electric power conversion efficiency. Several studies have attempted to reduce the PV module temperature using Phase Change Materials (PCM), which is predominant among sensible heat storage materials. The main objective of this study is to examine the thermal variation over the surface of a PV module with a PCM matrix integrated behind the PV module without using physical contact. The contactless PCM matrix spaced 6 mm behind the PV module demonstrates remarkable cooling with controlled heat re-conduction during the off-peak sunshine hours. Our statistical approach to the PV module temperature clearly states that the distance between PV module and ground, wind direction, and stress in thermal dissipation are the key factors affecting thermal variation. Furthermore, the power production capacity of the developed PCM matrix is emphasised in a large-scale solar farm of 15 MWp under Thailand's climatic conditions. Notably, contactless PCM matrix is favourable for cooling the PV module by a maximum of 13.20 °C, compared with the other months and the corresponding power production is 12.05 MW.