Thermal management of conventional photovoltaic module using phase change materials—An experimental investigation:

The electrical conversion efficiency of the monocrystalline photovoltaic module is adversely affected due to the higher temperature of the solar cells. Therefore, cooling technologies to remove the excess heat generated by the photovoltaic modules play a vital role to enhance its output. In this article, thermal management of the conventional monocrystalline photovoltaic modules using phase change material has been experimentally evaluated. Phase change material with a melting point of 30°C to 32°C was encapsulated in the aluminium tubes that were 500 mm long having 19 mm inner diameter. Phase change material-filled tubes were attached to the rear side of the photovoltaic module at an equal distance to cover the module area of 0.30 m2. The total mass of the phase change material used in the current experimental study was 1.0 kg. The average temperature of the modified photovoltaic module was 2.4°C to 2.8°C lower than conventional photovoltaic module during sunshine hours. The peak temperature of the conve...