Improving the Performance of a Photovoltaic Panel Using Locally Manufactured Phase Change Materials

Abstract

Meeting the increasing global demand for energy has been a significant challenge for the world, and photovoltaic (PV) energy has made tremendous progress in recent years. However, designing and implementing solar systems still poses significant challenges due to the conversion of a substantial fraction from the solar irradiation that strikes photovoltaic cells to heat. Maintaining a consistent temperature is crucial for solar photovoltaics to achieve maximum efficiency, especially in areas with extremely high average annual temperatures. Several PV module cooling methods, such as using water or air, are used for thermal regulation, often cycled by pumps, fans, and blowers. Unfortunately, these simple PV cooling technologies have a few limitations, including poor heat dissipation in passive mode and a need for external power sources, which lower system efficiency and increase repair and maintenance costs. However, the combination of photovoltaic modules with phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively lower solar cell temperatures and increase their output power without requiring an external power source. In this study, we evaluated the use of two locally manufactured PCMs, Paraffin wax and Petroleum jelly (Vaseline), which are readily available in the Iraqi market at low costs. Our outdoor experiment aimed to examine the effects of a mixture of these PCMs on the temperature and electrical performance of PV panels. The findings reveal that the mixed PCM increased the electrical efficiency of the PV panel by up to 13.1% and reduced its temperature by 6.1 °C, and the average temperature by 5.29 °C.