Efficiency improvement of PV module using a binary-organic eutectic phase change material in a finned container

Solar photovoltaic (PV) is a promising technology in solar energy conversion. There is plenty of solar energy available in tropical regions. However, increased PV module temperature during operation affects its performance in negative way. Thus, PV module cooling via passive cooling is of interest to overcome the problem and shows more attractive against active cooling techniques. In this work, phase change material (PCM) filled in a finned container is attached at the back surface of a PV module as for passive cooling. The PCM used is a novel organic eutectic PCM which is a mixture of Myristic acid and Stearic acid. Three proportions of these two acids, which are 60:40, 70:30 and 80:20 %wt, are investigated for PV module temperature reduction. Light intensity of 900-1000 W/m(2) is generated by tungsten halogen bulbs as an irradiation onto the PV module. The PV module performances are examined and compared to those without PCM cooling. The results show that the organic eutectic PCM can reduce the PV module temperature and thus, enhance the PV module performance. Among three proportions, the 60:40 %wt mixture gives best results which are 7.06 degrees C reduction, 0.454 W power increase, and 4.226% module efficiency improvement. (C) 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Automated summary

Passive cooling is a method to address the issue of increased temperature during operation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. Attaching a container filled with organic eutectic phase change material (PCM) to the back surface of the PV module can effectively reduce its temperature and enhance its performance.