A new approach for employing multiple PCMs in the passive thermal management of photovoltaic modules. (1st July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mahdi, Jasim M.; Mohammed, Hayder I.; Talebizadehsardari, Pouyan
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 222(2021)
• Page Start: 160
• Page End: 174
• Publication Date: 2021-07-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic -- Phase change material -- Tilt angle -- Thermal management -- Electrical efficiency; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2021.04.044
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Highlights: Multi-PCM-based thermal management approach of photovoltaics is introduced. Longer and efficient thermal management with the use of multiple PCMs is reported. Melting of the PCMs is numerically simulated and validated via previous experiments. Effects of photovoltaic inclination and number of the multiple PCMs in use are revealed. Abstract: Employing PCMs for thermal management of photovoltaic modules (PVs) is reported as a cost-effective, sustainable approach to overcome the decline in PV conversion efficiency at high operating temperatures. Based on a new arrangement, this study examines the use of multiple PCMs of different melting temperatures to remarkably provide longer thermal management durations in PVs. The idea is to arrange the multiple PCMs in a way that their melting points be decreasing along the heat flow direction so that more uniform temperature of PV module with a lower melting rate of the multiple PCMs is achieved. This facilitates longer thermal management by PCMs so higher power output from the PV module is produced. The results based on numerical simulation show that the use of multiple PCMs based on the proposed arrangement can increase the PCM melting time and prolong the PV thermal-management duration by up to 18% and 33% respectively, depending on the PV inclination and the number of multiple PCMs in use. Also, employing combinations having higher numbers of multiple PCMs with appropriate thermophysical properties and/or lower PV inclination angles significantly improves the thermal management potential of PCM component and substantially lengthen the PV thermal regulation time.