Efficiency Enhancement of PV Solar Panels By Passive Cooling

Abstract

Due to the recent surge in global warming and improved energy security worldwide,there is an ever-increasing transitional need for shift towards more cleaner and renewable energy sources around the world in place of conservative power sources which include fossil fuels, natural gas etc. This is especially important as conservative power sources which include fossil fuels such as petroleum, oil and natural gas are exhausting. Among various renewable energy options, solar power is by far a capable solution interms of cleaner and greener energy production and utilization, owing to its cheap cost, reliability, and sustainability. Nevertheless, there are still challenges faced byresearchers and engineers around the world in the field of solar power. Particularly, their low efficiency due to limited absorption of solar spectrum curtails the production of electricity. Furthermore, environmental factors such as humidity, dust, panel temperature and uncertain solar intensity also contribute towards the power degradationand thus, in turn, a low conversion efficiency. This project is aimed at utilizing the potential of various passive cooling approaches to develop a working prototype of energy efficient solar panel as compared to conventional solar panel. Development of working physical prototype of PV-PCM containment system which provides higher overall efficiency compared to the conventional PV Panel. Small scale 30 watts panels were obtained and phase change materials were utilized at the PV panel back to reduce their operating temperature and hence, to increase overall conversion efficiency. Effectiveness and efficiency of the solar panel can be improved by reducing the temperature by employing feasible and practical methods. One among the major capable solutions is the usage of PCM (Phase Change Materials). Such materials, when installed on a solar panel, can reduce their operating temperature and increase overall conversion efficiency. Phase change materials utilize their latent heat capacity to absorb/ release large amounts of heat on their phase conversion from waxy solid to melted liquid and vice versa resulting in reduced panel temperature due to increased heat transfer from panel back surface towards the ambient through PCM. Other options include use of fins as a heat sink. The design that was tested for various electrical and thermal parameters was the one with rectangular PCM containment made with Aluminum sheet of thickness of 2.5mm. The containment was designed by Argon welding using TIG method. The systems showed significant reduction in panel temperature up to 5-6 degree Celsius. Container Design has an average relative efficiency increase of 1.55 % and 15 % improvement in power output, at average, is observed compared to the conventional PV Panel.