Thermal behavior of a PV panel integrated with PCM-filled metallic tubes: An experimental study

The current research work aims to maintain high photovoltaic (PV) efficiency by keeping them at low operating temperature. For this purpose, commercially available phase change material (PCM) RT24 encapsulated in copper tubes was attached at the back side of a PV panel as a heat sink. The main concept of using the copper tube as PCM encapsulation is to produce a fin effect on the back of the PV panel to enhance the rate of heat transfer from the PV panel to ambient air. The experimental results showed that a maximum temperature reduction of 8.5 degrees C can be achieved at the front surface of the PV panel with 2.5 kg of PCM per square meter of the PV panel area. The PV back surface was also cooled down from 62 degrees C to 56 degrees C by the PCM. Enhancement in efficiency up to 3% was observed. The fin effect for the PV panel cooling was observed as the PV panel was maintained at a lower temperature, even after the PCM was completely utilized. The total cost incurred for the current PCM-based thermal regulation of the PV panel was $93/m(2) of the PV area or $0.60/W of the PV power. Published by AIP Publishing.