Evaluation of the nanofluid and nano-PCM based photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system: An experimental study

The increase in the PV cell temperature ultimately causes a reduction in its effectiveness. One of the new methods used to retain that efficiency is to establish a hybrid photovoltaic thermal PV/T system. In this study, PCM has been employed with a cooling nanofluid circulation system in order to the control heat capacitance of the system to maintain electrical efficiency on the one hand, and to raise the overall efficiency on the other. Nano-SiC particles were used in paraffin-PCM and nanofluid to establish higher thermal conductivities and therefore higher efficiency. The design is tested outdoors in Selangor, Malaysia. The tests were conducted using a fluid flow rate of 0.17 kg/s. The proposed system reduced the cell temperature (30 degrees C) at the peak solar radiation period (12:30 AM to 1:30 PM), which was reflected positively on the PV/T system performance. The proposed PV/T-nano PCM-nanofluid system increased the open circuit voltage from 11-13 V to 20-21 V, the power from 61.1 W to 120.7 W, and the electrical efficiency from 7.1% to 13.7%. Besides, the system made use of the thermal energy gained as its thermal efficiency reached 72%. These results ensure the adequate use of the new design.