Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials

Ali Shaito, Mohammad Hammoud, Fadel Kawtharani, Ali Kawtharani and Hilal Reda
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Ali Shaito: SDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, Lebanon
Mohammad Hammoud: SDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, Lebanon
Fadel Kawtharani: Mechanical Department, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa 1803, Lebanon
Ali Kawtharani: SDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, Lebanon
Hilal Reda: Faculty of Engineering, Section III, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573/14, Lebanon

Energies, 2021, vol. 14, issue 16, 1-12

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) systems are well-known systems that convert solar energy into electrical energy. Increases in operating temperature induce a drop in conversion efficiency and, thus, in the output power produced by the panel. This paper investigates the effectiveness of using Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in cooling PV modules. Due to its high storage density with limited temperature fluctuations, the latent heat storage in a PCM is an important factor. This depends on the thermophysical properties of PCMs such as the melting point, specific heat capacity, latent heat, density, etc. This paper aims to make a comparison between four types of PCM with different melting points and physical properties. Indoor experimental studies were performed using five prototypes. A halogen lamp was used as a solar simulator to ensure that experiments were carried out under the same irradiance. The first prototype was the reference, which consisted of a PV panel, a stand, and an electric circuit without PCMs. Four other prototypes were investigated, consisting of a PV panel with a container added at the rear face, with each having different types of PCM: sodium sulfate decahydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic dodecahydrate, decanoic acid, and calcium chloride hexahydrate, respectively. The results clearly show the effect of PCMs’ properties on PV temperature profile and power generation.

Keywords: phase change material; latent heat storage; photovoltaic; efficiency improvement; thermal diffusivity; energy management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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