Experimental study and optimization the performance of photovoltaic panels using composite of phase change materials and boron nitride nanoparticles

This study experimentally investigates the thermal regulation of a PV panel using a composite of phase change materials (PCMs) and boron nitride nanoparticles. Binary mixtures of paraffin and hexadecane were synthesized in various volume ratios. To enhance the low thermal conductivity of the PCMs, boron nitride nanoparticles were dispersed within them. The primary aim is to optimize the temperature and electrical efficiency of the PV panel using Response Surface Methodology, with input parameters including nanoparticle weight fraction (0-10%wt), the ratio of PCM thickness to PV panel surface area (R), and hexadecane volume fraction in paraffin (0-50 %). Results indicate that the optimal volume fractions are 27.7 % for hexadecane and 73.3 % for paraffin; exceeding 27.7 % hexadecane leads to an increase in PV temperature. Adjusting R from 0.02 to 0.27 1/m decreases PV temperature and enhances electrical efficiency, but further increasing R from 0.27 to 0.3 1/m has little effect on performance. Adding boron nitride nanoparticles up to 6%wt significantly boosts efficiency; however, the increase diminishes for 6 % to 10%wt. The optimal configuration identified is a PCM with 25.88 % hexadecane, 75.12 % paraffin wax, and 8.913%wt boron nitride nanoparticles at R = 0.236, achieving a minimum PV temperature of 37.58 degrees C and a maximum electrical efficiency of 13.25 %.