Thermal regulation of photovoltaic panels using phase-change materials

With increase in the operating temperature, the efficiency of photovoltaic cell decreases. So the efficient cooling technologies are required for cooling of PV cell to enhance the performance of Photovoltaic (PV) systems. Phase change materials (PCM) are one of the most promising techniques for cooling of PV cells. Operating temperature range of PV cells is 25oC (Standard Test Condition (STC)) at which the efficiency is highest, so the PCMs are selected in the melting temperature range between 24 to 30 oC. Though, there exist number of PCMs in this range, RT 25, Pure Salt Hydrate (CaC12.6H2O) and Commercial blend (SP22) have been selected for the present study, which are having melting temperature in the same range. The main focus of the study is to model heat transfer in a PV system composed of phase change material packed in the back of PV panel. This study demonstrates the impact of applying PCMs in PCM embedded PV panels through heat transfer analysis. Thus, heat absorbed by phase change materials can prevent PV panel from heating up and subsequently enhances the efficiency of PV cells. These results clearly show that adding PCM on the back of a solar PV panel can maintain the panel’s operating temperature consistently at STC for longer time.