Development of innovative cooling strategies for enhanced photovoltaic performance through integrated PCM and aluminium fin

Rosli, Nor Alyaa (2024) Development of innovative cooling strategies for enhanced photovoltaic performance through integrated PCM and aluminium fin. Project Report. Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Melaka, Malaysia. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Photovoltaic(PV) cells can absorb up to 80% of the solar radiation that reaches their surface, but only 12% to 18% of that energy is converted into electricity, despite having a record 26.7% efficiency. The remaining solar energy is transformed into heat, which raises the PV cell's temperature to 40 °C above the ambient temperature. One of the primary issues with technology is that its electrical and thermal performance is largely dependent on the operating temperature. In order to cool PV panels and so increase their efficiency, numerous studies have been developed. Researchers have become interested in the use of phase change materials (PCMs), for cooling. With this technique, the PV cell temperature is lowered by the PCM absorbing thermal energy in the form of latent heat. This project aims to enhance the thermal and electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules by integrating innovative cooling approaches that combine (PCM) with aluminium fins. The results demonstrate an average temperature reduction of 30 °C to 40 °C in PV panels, leading to improved electrical efficiency of 21.92% and enhanced stability of the panels. These findings have significant reference value for future performance improvements in PV panels. This approach seeks to maintain an optimal temperature for PV modules. This system consists of a coating of integrated PCM/Fin applied to the backside of the solar panel and an aluminium fin-attached structure. PCM thickness ranging between 2 to 4 cm will be selected as the parameters for this study. The results of this study will have important reference value for future performance improvement of PV panels.

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