Performance analysis of the solar photovoltaic thermal system using phase change material

Abstract

This study presents the experimental analysis of photovoltaic thermal system and calculations for percentage electrical efficiency gained and thermal energy. Photovoltaic cells are sensitive to temperature and its performances decrease with increasing temperature. To increase the performance of the photovoltaic panel, a phase change material cum water heating arrangement is attached to the photovoltaic panel. To reduce the cell temperature, paraffin wax (phase change material) is used in the experiment as a heat storage medium. A copper tube is attached to the containment box filled with phase change material. Water is heated through paraffin wax when it flows through the copper tube. The photovoltaic thermal system has a dual benefit over photovoltaic system i.e. it improves electrical efficiency and produces thermal energy simultaneously. It was concluded from the experimental work that percentage of electrical efficiency gained from the photovoltaic thermal system is 1.12% in comparison with polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic panel of model DDS50M at ambient temperature. The maximum reduction in cell temperature and the average thermal energy produced is 8.5°C and 25.45 J/min respectively.