Performance evaluation of a photovoltaic system with phase change material in Guwahati

Abstract

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in solar photovoltaic (PV) technology as a clean and renewable energy source. The operating temperature of PV modules significantly impacts their performance; as the temperature rises, the modules perform worse. The phase change material (PCM) paraffin wax has been used to cool a PV system passively. The experiment was carried out during summer over three months, viz. April, May, and June when relative humidity was around 80.75% to 86.5% with two identical 20-watt PV panels in Guwahati, India (26.1332° North and 91.6214° East). One panel was coated with PCM, while the other panel functioned as a point of reference. The study reveals an impressive result: the output power produced by the system with PCM was 9.8%, 13.1%, and 10.3% greater than the reference PV, while the surface temperature had been lowered by 21.6%, 26.2%, and 30.6% in the three respective months. High humidity delays the release of latent heat of paraffin wax and hence improves its thermal conductivity. This study adds to the continuing efforts to promote sustainable energy solutions and creates new opportunities to enhance the performance of PV systems.