Energy Efficiency Enhancement of Photovoltaics by Phase Change Materials through Thermal Energy Recovery

Ahmad Hasan, Hamza Alnoman and Ali Hasan Shah
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Ahmad Hasan: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Hamza Alnoman: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE
Ali Hasan Shah: College of Engineering, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, UAE

Energies, 2016, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-15

Abstract: Photovoltaic (PV) panels convert a certain amount of incident solar radiation into electricity, while the rest is converted to heat, leading to a temperature rise in the PV. This elevated temperature deteriorates the power output and induces structural degradation, resulting in reduced PV lifespan. One potential solution entails PV thermal management employing active and passive means. The traditional passive means are found to be largely ineffective, while active means are considered to be energy intensive. A passive thermal management system using phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively limit PV temperature rises. The PCM-based approach however is cost inefficient unless the stored thermal energy is recovered effectively. The current article investigates a way to utilize the thermal energy stored in the PCM behind the PV for domestic water heating applications. The system is evaluated in the winter conditions of UAE to deliver heat during water heating demand periods. The proposed system achieved a ~1.3% increase in PV electrical conversion efficiency, along with the recovery of ~41% of the thermal energy compared to the incident solar radiation.

Keywords: photovoltaics (PV); phase change material (PCM); thermal management; water heating; energy recovery (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: 2016
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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