Thermal and electrical performance of a PV module integrated with double layers of water-saturated MEPCM. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ho, C.J.; Jou, Bor-Tyng; Lai, Chi-Ming
• Is Part Of: Applied thermal engineering. Volume 123(2017)
• Page Start: 1120
• Page End: 1133
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Photovoltaic (PV) -- Phase change material (PCM) -- Microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) -- Thermal management -- Electrical performance; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heating -- Equipment and supplies -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 621.40205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2017.05.166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-4311

Abstract

Highlights: Water-saturated MEPCM layers were used as the thermal management medium for PV modules. Their thermal and electrical performances were numerically explored. Incorporating the water-saturated MEPCM can improve the performances. A MEPCM melting point and layer thicknesses was recommended for practical uses. Abstract: The efficacy of using double layers of microencapsulated phase change material (MEPCM) layers as a passive thermal management medium for a photovoltaic (PV) module under practical operation conditions was evaluated by CFD numerical simulations. In an attempt to use the latent heat absorption by the system in summer and winter seasons, a high melting point MEPCM layer was combined with a low melting point MEPCM layer. In this way, the PV cell can be hopefully used in a variety of environmental conditions, thereby increasing the benefits and convenience of the system for practical applications. Based on the simulation results for the double-layer PV/MEPCM cell under winter and summer conditions, a total layer thickness of 3 cm was recommended, consisting of a 0.5-cm-thick low melting point (26 °C) layer and a 2.5-cm-thick high melting point (30 °C) layer.