Annual Thermal Management of the Photovoltaic Module to Enhance Electrical Power and Efficiency Using Heat Batteries

Abstract

Several studies state that phase change material (PCM) improves the electrical power and efficiency of the photovoltaic (PV) module. To find the suitable PCM for tropical climatic conditions, multi-PCMs are examined simultaneously with melting temperatures of 31 °C, 35 °C, 37 °C, and 42 °C. In this study, PCM containers are integrated behind the PV module with a thickness of 50 mm. The performance of the multi PV-PCMs is monitored year-round and compared with PV-noPCM. The experimental results show that the selected four PCMs performed the cooling process autonomously in all the climates, such as PCM with a melting temperature of 37 °C and 42 °C enhanced the higher cooling rate in summer, and the same PCMs failed to achieve a higher cooling rate in winter. The lowest temperature drop was noted for pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons due to the low irradiance. On the other hand, the highest temperature drop of 16.33 °C is observed for pre-summer (March) and 15.7 °C, and 17.14 °C for summer (April) as compared to PV-noPCM. The results of the present investigation highlight the requirement for choosing the proper PCM melting temperature based on optimal year-round performance. Further, it is recommended that a single PCM melting temperature for cooling the PV modules year-round in tropical climates is inappropriate, and instead, a cascaded structure with different PCM melting temperatures is recommended.

Optimization Design and Thermodynamic Analysis of Thermal Management System for New Energy Vehicle Power Batteries

“…However, current research on the BTMS mainly focuses on system design and experimental validation, lacking in-depth thermodynamic analysis of battery heat generation mechanisms and the construction of mathematical models [14][15][16][17]. Moreover, existing thermal management solutions are often based on design optimizations under specific conditions, lacking adaptability analysis of system performance under complex condition changes, which limits the efficiency and reliability of thermal management systems in practical applications [18][19][20][21].…”

Integration of Floating Photovoltaic Panels with an Italian Hydroelectric Power Plant

“…In fact, in the Integrated National Energy and Climate Plan [3], it was estimated that, for Italy, the percentage of energy consumption from renewable sources (30%) was lower than the 32% required by the European Union. Therefore, the application of the national plan mentioned above requires a rapid improvement in the share of renewable energy to reach the 'Fit for 55' targets with the double aim of enhancing the production of sustainable energy used while reducing environmental pollution [4]. It has been estimated that this will require a share of renewable electricity of about 72% in 2030 [5], which is far from about 40% in 2020.…”

“…Water savings: Since the use of FPVs results in partial coverage of the selected wa surface (by the PV module and floating structures), a reduction in water evaporati is expected, thus increasing the water reserve for hydropower production or oth uses. 4.…”

Assessment of Thermal Performance of Phase-Change Material-Based Multilayer Protective Clothing Exposed to Contact and Radiant Heat

“…For decades, PCMs, due to their useful properties, have been widely used as heat accumulators in installations using renewable energy sources (in particular solar radiation energy-photovoltaic modules) [4][5][6][7]; heat insulators in structural elements of buildings [8][9][10][11][12][13]; temperature stabilizers of food products or medicines (isothermal containers) [14][15][16]; temperature stabilizers of road surfaces [17][18][19]. The use of these materials in multilayer wall structures results in a reduction in daily temperature amplitudes inside the building and a delay in releasing the stored heat.…”