Effect of nanoparticle additived phase change material on photovoltaic panels

In this study, the improvement of the output parameters of photovoltaic (PV) panels by cooling under Siirt climatic conditions was investigated. Phase Change Material (PCM) was employed to reduce the PV panel surface temperature, and nanoparticles (aluminium oxide-Al2O3) were added at different rates to increase the heat transfer coefficient of PCM. It has been observed that cooling systems with PCM and nanoparticle additived PCM have a positive effect on the output parameters of PV panels. Prior to the experiment, all PV panels were tested under the same solar radiation and environmental conditions, and three identical PV panels with very close output powers were selected. The maximum output power difference between PV panels is measured as 0,05 W. The back part of the PV panel is completely covered with an aluminium sheet cut to the outer frame dimensions of the PV panel. The PV panel frame and the aluminium sheet are bonded with polyurethane sealant (steel silicone) to ensure tightness. At the end of this process, 1,5 cm deep tank was placed behind the PV panel, where PCM can be added. Nanoparticles were added to the melted PCM at the rates of 0,05%, 0,1% and 0,15% by weight-volume (%w/v). The heat transmission coefficients of nanoparticle additived PCMs were measured and 0,2 W∙m-1∙K-1 for 0,05%, 0,21 W∙m-1∙K-1 for 0,1%, and 0,22 W∙m-1∙K-1 for 0,15% was found. In the experiments, the reference PV panel, PV panel with PCM, PV panel with PCM the additived 0,05% nanoparticles, PV panel with PCM the additived 0,1% nanoparticles, and PV panel with PCM the additived 0,15% nanoparticles were used. Five distinct photovoltaic (PV) systems were divided into three groups, and the system that provides the most effective cooling and improves output parameters was studied. As a result of the experiments, it was observed that the cell temperature of the cooled panels was lower than the uncooled reference PV panel. This had a positive effect on the electrical efficiency and increased the efficiency. The most efficient of the cooled panels is the PV panel with 0,15% nanoparticle additived PCM, and its efficiency was calculated as 12,70%.