Comparative experimental analysis of monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panel through hybrid phase change material

• Published in: Journal of energy storage Vol. 100; p. 113357
• Main Authors: Nadeem, Bushra, Jamil, Furqan, Hussain, Abid, Nadeem, Hamza, Khiadani, Mehdi, Ali, Hafiz Muhammad
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 15-10-2024
• Subjects: Efficiency increment; Phase change material; Photovoltaic cooling; Thermal energy storage; Thermal regulation; Thermal energy storage; Efficiency increment; Phase change material; Photovoltaic cooling; Thermal regulation
• ISSN: 2352-152X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2024.113357

Photovoltaics thermal management is utmost necessary as continuous heating of the module decreases the performance. This paper presents a comparative study in terms of performance of two photovoltaic modules namely monocrystalline and polycrystalline using hybrid phase change materials (PCMs). The hybrid PCMs of RT31 and RT 44HC were prepared by method of stirring. The final prepared hybrid PCMs were poured at the back of panel and panel was covered. The purpose of these experiments is to improve the efficiency of polycrystalline and monocrystalline photovoltaic modules and comparing which technology is more efficient having hybrid PCM. The experiments were performed under the room conditions in Taxila, Pakistan. The output parameters of the photovoltaic module appeared to be strongly dependent upon the solar irradiance. The power output and efficiency of monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic module were measured. The monocrystalline panel maximum temperature was 36.59 °C as compared to polycrystalline panel which was 40.23 °C. As the radiation intensity increased till noon, electrical power was improved, and it was 6.52 W in monocrystalline panel as compared to polycrystalline panel which was 6.32 W. Electrical conversion efficiency was also observed, and it was maximum up to 11.84 % in monocrystalline panel. The higher performance was observed in case of monocrystalline panel having hybrid in terms of performance as compared to polycrystalline panel.
•Photovoltaic cooling techniques are discussed.•Previous studies on photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) cooling are discussed by various authors.•Discussion on mono and poly crystalline panel using hybrid phase change material is discussed.•The maximum electrical power of 6.52 W and maximum electrical efficiency up to 11.84 % are achieved.