Thermal regulation of monocrystalline and polycrystalline photovoltaic panels using phase change material for high temperature applications

Abstract

Thermal regulation of photovoltaic (PV) panels is essential, as electrical efficiency decreases with increasing operating temperature. However, the electrical efficiency of these panels still no reach to maximum level, and authors have investigated various fluids and materials for their cooling. To overcome this problem, the current study also investigates the cooling methods using Phase Change Material (PCM), which offer a promising solution to maintain electrical efficiency. For this purpose, a comparative analysis of four panels, including reference monocrystalline (A) and polycrystalline (B) panels having no PCM, and their PCM-modified counterparts: monocrystalline (C) and polycrystalline (D) panels, is considered. The experiments were performed using RT57HC PCM, followed by outdoor experiments in Kot Addu, Pakistan, during June under hot weather conditions (maximum ambient temperature: 46 ℃ ). The results of the research conclude that Configuration C recorded the lowest peak operating temperature of approximately 54.5 ℃ , while Configuration B reached the peak temperature of about 64.7 ℃ . Moreover, the peak-hour electrical power outputs for configurations A, B, C, and D were approximately 7.92 W, 7.87 W, 8.12 W, and 7.93 W, with corresponding peak electrical efficiencies of about 17.04%, 15.91%, 17.46%, and 16.73%, respectively. Consequently, this led to an increase in the PCM-modified panel's peak electrical efficiency by approximately 2.53% (Configuration C vs A) and roughly 0.76% (Configuration D vs B). Overall, PCM integration enhanced the PV performance, with the monocrystalline PCM panel demonstrating the greatest temperature reduction, highest power output, and maximum efficiency gain during peak hours, confirming its effectiveness under hot outdoor atmospheric conditions.