Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials
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...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/16/5195 |
| _version_ | 1797524002984427520 |
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| author | Ali Shaito Mohammad Hammoud Fadel Kawtharani Ali Kawtharani Hilal Reda |
| author_facet | Ali Shaito Mohammad Hammoud Fadel Kawtharani Ali Kawtharani Hilal Reda |
| author_sort | Ali Shaito |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:51:08Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-d9910f89268346998b0e53ef73dec5ad |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T08:51:08Z |
| publishDate | 2021-08-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj.art-d9910f89268346998b0e53ef73dec5ad2023-11-22T07:33:25ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732021-08-011416519510.3390/en14165195Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change MaterialsAli Shaito0Mohammad Hammoud1Fadel Kawtharani2Ali Kawtharani3Hilal Reda4SDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, LebanonSDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, LebanonMechanical Department, Lebanese International University LIU, Bekaa 1803, LebanonSDM Research Group, The International University of Beirut BIU, Beirut 146404, LebanonFaculty of Engineering, Section III, Lebanese University, Beirut 6573/14, LebanonPhotovoltaic (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.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/16/5195phase change materiallatent heat storagephotovoltaicefficiency improvementthermal diffusivityenergy management |
| spellingShingle | Ali Shaito Mohammad Hammoud Fadel Kawtharani Ali Kawtharani Hilal Reda Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials Energies phase change material latent heat storage photovoltaic efficiency improvement thermal diffusivity energy management |
| title | Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials |
| title_full | Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials |
| title_fullStr | Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials |
| title_full_unstemmed | Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials |
| title_short | Power Enhancement of a PV Module Using Different Types of Phase Change Materials |
| title_sort | power enhancement of a pv module using different types of phase change materials |
| topic | phase change material latent heat storage photovoltaic efficiency improvement thermal diffusivity energy management |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/16/5195 |
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