Investigational evaluation of a thin film photovoltaic module by incorporating phase change material: An experimental approach

The operating performance of the solar photovoltaic (SPV) modules is perturbed by the temperature, wind, soiling and relative humidity. Among these parameters, temperature puts the most negative impact on the output yield of the module. On increasing the temperature of the SPV module, the output power decreases drastically. The decrease in temperature affects the power output of the photovoltaic module and the average power yield drops down very sharply. In the present study, the experimental analysis of two 45-watt thin films photovoltaic module with similar characteristics has been carried out. One of the modules is used as the reference module and the second module is incorporate with phase change material at the backside to decrease the cell temperature. It was observed that the photovoltaic thermal module with phase change material (PV/T-PCM) combined system was producing a higher output power as compared to the reference SPV module. An increment of 1.55% in the electrical efficiency of SPV module was recorded during the study period. The thermal efficiency of the PV/T-PCM system was analysed at the constant flow rate of the water. A rise of 20 degrees C in outlet water temperature was recorded from the PV/T system. The hot water obtained was collected in the reservoir which can be used for low heat applications. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the International Conference on Sustainable materials, Manufacturing and Renewable Technologies 2021.