Numerical Optimization of Fin Configurations in Phase Change Material Systems for Improving Solar Panel Cooling and Electrical Efficiency

Abstract

Enhancing the photovoltaic (PV) panels' thermal-electrical performance by incorporating phase change material (PCM) with aluminum fins into the design was the main goal of this article. This was achieved by conducting a two-dimensional numerical enthalpy–porosity technique using ANSYS Fluent 17.2 for the PCM's melting simulation. Nine total configurations were tested, varying fin density (7, 14, and 28 fins) and fin length (short, medium, and long). The numerical results were confidently validated against those reported in the literature, confirming a strong agreement. Rising fin number per unit area allowed for more innovative ways to spread heat, which improved the electrical performance. The configuration with the most fins per area and the most extended fins (Configuration I) showed an improved electrical performance of 5.8% compared to the configuration with the fewest fins per area and the shortest fins (Configuration D). There was an increase in the PCM melt fraction of 18.4% between the configuration with the least fins per area and the most fins per area. Once beyond the medium-length fin, increasing fin length provided marginally better performance improvements (~1.8%). In contrast to previous studies that have examined either fin number or fin length, this study has explored both variables simultaneously in a systematic manner to determine which variable is the more dominant parameter impacting PV-PCM performance. According to this study, fin density was found to be a more important variable than fin length, and Configuration I was determined to be the thermal and electrical optimum for a PV-PCM geometry, given the initial conditions of this study.