Photovoltaic Cooling Utilizing Phase Change Materials

Abstract

A theoretical analysis based on mathematical formulations and experimental test to a photovoltaic system cooled by Phase Change Material (PCM) is carried out and documented. The PCM is attached to the back of the PV panel to control the temperature of cells in the PV panel. The experimental tests were done to solar systems with and without using PCM for comparison purposes. A PCM of paraffin graphite panels of thickness15 mm has covered the back of the panel. This layer was covered with an aluminum sheet fixed tightly to the panel frame. In the experimental test, it was found that when the average cell temperature exceeds the melting point temperature of the PCM, the efficiency of the system increases. However, when the cell temperature did not exceed the melting temperature of the PCM, the use of the PCM will affect negatively the system efficiency.