Abstract
The electrical conversion efficiency of the monocrystalline photovoltaic module is adversely affected due to the higher temperature of the solar cells. Therefore, cooling technologies to remove the excess heat generated by the photovoltaic modules play a vital role to enhance its output. In this article, thermal management of the conventional monocrystalline photovoltaic modules using phase change material has been experimentally evaluated. Phase change material with a melting point of 30 degrees C to 32 degrees C was encapsulated in the aluminium tubes that were 500 mm long having 19 mm inner diameter. Phase change material-filled tubes were attached to the rear side of the photovoltaic module at an equal distance to cover the module area of 0.30 m(2). The total mass of the phase change material used in the current experimental study was 1.0 kg. The average temperature of the modified photovoltaic module was 2.4 degrees C to 2.8 degrees C lower than conventional photovoltaic module during sunshine hours. The peak temperature of the conventional photovoltaic panel was lowered from 6 degrees C to 9 degrees C due to the inclusion of phase change material. The electrical conversion efficiency enhanced up to 2.0%. The current configuration of integrating phase change material with photovoltaic modules was observed advantageous as it assisted in enhancing the natural convection from the back of the photovoltaic module rather suppressing. An energy balance showing the trend of energy losses from conventional photovoltaic and photovoltaic with phase change material is also presented and discussed.