Nanoparticle-Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NePCM) in Passive Cooling Systems to Improve Solar Panel Efficiency

Abstract

Renewable energy sources play a pivotal role in global energy reserves, with solar energy standing out as a prominent option due to its cleanliness, abundance, and minimal emissions. The conversion of solar energy into electrical power is facilitated by photovoltaic (PV) technology. However, the efficiency of PV systems could be improved by elevated temperatures, adversely affecting both efficiency and operational lifespan. In order to address this challenge, this study explores the integration of passive cooling systems by using phase change materials (PCM), specifically focusing on the enhanced capabilities provided by nanoparticles, referred to as Nanoparticles Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NePCM). This investigation establishes a 50-watt peak (wp) PV system as a passive cooling system, comparing its performance with and without PCM and NePCM. The study evaluates three materials: traditional paraffin PCM, NePCM-Al2O3, and NePCM-ZnO. Experimental results, obtained at an intensity of 1000 W/m2, are validated by using a PV-PCM panel temperature modeling approach. The findings indicate that NePCM-ZnO performs better in reducing the PV system's operating temperature, lowering it from 59.4 °C to 52.62 °C at 1000 W/m2 intensity. Compared to PV systems without passive cooling, the study reveals that implementing NePCM-ZnO as a passive coolant enhances maximum PV output power by 10.85 W and maximum PV efficiency by 3.08%. This improvement is attributed to the significant reduction in the maximum PV temperature by 6.78 °C, displaying the efficacy of NePCM-ZnO in optimizing the operational performance of PV systems.
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