The impact of phase change material on photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems: A numerical study

Sameh Alsaqoor; Ahmad Alqatamin; Ali Alahmer; Zhang Nan; Yaseen Al-Husban; Hussam Jouhara

International Journal of Thermofluids (May 2023)

The impact of phase change material on photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems: A numerical study

Sameh Alsaqoor,
Ahmad Alqatamin,
Ali Alahmer,
Zhang Nan,
Yaseen Al-Husban,
Hussam Jouhara

Affiliations

Sameh Alsaqoor: Renewable Energy Technology Department, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tafila Technical University, P. O. Box 179, 66110, Tafila, Jordan
Ahmad Alqatamin: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Si Chuan Sheng, 610032, China
Ali Alahmer: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tafila Technical University, P. O. Box 179, 66110, Tafila, Jordan; Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States; Corresponding author.
Zhang Nan: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Si Chuan Sheng, 610032, China
Yaseen Al-Husban: Renewable Energy Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Isra University, P. O. Box 33, 11622 Amman, Jordan
Hussam Jouhara: Heat Pipe and Thermal Management Research Group, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Brunel University London, UB8 3PH, United Kingdom; Vytautas Magnus University, Studentu Str. 11, LT-53362, Akademija, Kaunas Distr, Lithuania

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 18
p. 100365

Abstract

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This study examines the impact of incorporating phase change material (PCM) in photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems on their electrical and thermal performance. Although PVT systems have shown effectiveness in converting solar energy into both electricity and heat, there is a necessity for studies to investigate how integrating PCMs can further enhance performance. The study also aims to explore the effect of solar irradiation and coolant mass flow rate on the electrical and thermal output of both PVT and PVT-PCM systems. A graphical user interface was developed within the MATLAB Simulink under the weather conditions of Amman, Jordan. The results show that the incorporation of PCM in PVT systems significantly reduces solar cell temperature and increases electrical efficiency. The highest electrical efficiency of a PVT system with PCM was found to be 14%, compared to 13.75% in a PVT system without PCM. Furthermore, the maximum achievable electrical power in a PVT system with PCM was 21 kW, while in the PVT system without PCM it was 18 kW. The study also found that increasing the coolant mass flow rate in a PVT system with PCM further reduced PV cell temperature and increased electrical efficiency, while the electrical efficiency of both the PVT and PVT-PCM systems decreases as solar incident radiation flux increases, resulting in a significant rise in cell temperature. At an increased solar radiation level from 500 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2, the electrical efficiency of the PVT configuration decreases from 13.75% to 11.1%, while the electrical efficiency of the PVT-PCM configuration falls from 14% to 12%. The findings of this study indicate that the use of PCM in PVT systems can lead to significant improvements in energy production and cooling processes. The results provide valuable information for designing and optimizing PVT-PCM systems.

Published in International Journal of Thermofluids

ISSN: 2666-2027 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Physics: Heat
Website: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/international-journal-of-thermofluids

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