Photovoltaic/Thermal Module Integrated with Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material: A Numerical Analysis

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) technology is the main strategy for harvesting solar energy due to its non-polluting, stability, good visibility and security features. The aim of the project is to develop a mathematical model of a PV/T module integrated with optical filtration and MXene-enhanced PCM. In this system, a single MXene-enhanced PCM layer is attached between the PV panel and absorber pipe with solid MXene-PCM for storage and cooling purposes. Additionally, the thermal fluid is utilized in the copper absorber pipe and connected to the heat pump system for enhancing system thermal and electrical efficiency. Furthermore, the influences of the optical filtration channel height, concentration of the nanoparticles on PV surface temperature and overall system efficiency are also discussed. This study demonstrates that the annual thermal and electrical energy output can reach 5370 kWh per annum with 74.92% of thermal efficiency and 5620 kWh with 14.65% of electrical efficiency, respectively, compared to the traditional PV/T module. Meanwhile, when the optical filtration channel height and volume concentration are enhanced, they exert a negative influence on the PV surface temperature, but the overall thermal efficiency is enhanced due to low thermal resistance to heat losses and low radiation-shielding layers.

Keywords

• PV/T module
• optical filtration
• nano-enhanced PCM
• thermal and electrical output
• thermal and electrical efficiency