Optimizing photovoltaic performance: a tripartite investigation of phase change material integration
摘要
The efficacy of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly affected by variables including solar irradiance, panel temperature, and thermal management techniques. This study develops an advanced PV-phase change material (PV-PCM) system utilizing nanomaterial-doped PCMs to enhance photovoltaic efficiency via efficient thermal regulation. The experimental configuration, situated at KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India (10°57′N, 76°59′E), comprises three identical 5W photovoltaic panels, each incorporated with distinct phase change materials: one utilizing paraffin wax, another employing Glauber salt (Na₂SO₄·10H₂O) combined with graphene, and a third featuring a composite of Na₂SO₄·10H₂O, graphene (Gr), and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles. The thermal and electrical performances of each configuration are assessed under actual outdoor conditions. The Na₂SO₄·10H₂O–graphene composite demonstrates superior thermal conductivity and temperature regulation compared to paraffin wax. Furthermore, the integration of Al₂O₃ nanoparticles significantly improves thermal stability and heat dissipation. The Na₂SO₄·10H₂O–Gr–Al₂O₃ composite exhibits the highest cooling efficacy among all configurations, lowering panel temperature by as much as 2 ℃ and enhancing electrical efficiency by 0.7% to 1.2% relative to the paraffin-based system. These findings underscore the capacity of nanomaterial-enhanced phase change materials to enhance solar panel performance via superior thermal management.