Efficiency enhancement of photovoltaic solar system by integrating multi-pipe copper frame filled with ZnO-doped phase change material

Abstract

The increase of module temperature during operation adversely affect the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of a photovoltaic (PV) solar system. In an attempt to improve the PCE of the PV solar system, multi-pipe copper cooling frames integrated with phase change material (PCM) and ZnO-doped PCM have been developed and examined. Monocrystalline silicon modules (50 W each), solar meter, temperature sensor, digital anemometer and multi-meter are employed to conduct the tests. The I–V curves are plotted for the PV systems tested. The outcomes unveiled that the module temperature and electrical efficiency of conventional PV system at noon were 52.8 °C and 12.29% respectively. Integrating PCM/ZnO with PV system has reduced 5.68% of the module temperature and increased the 5.04% of electrical efficiency. The multi-pipe copper cooling frame filled with ZnO-doped PCM shows better cooling performance owing to the role of natural convection and conduction heat transfer inside the frame. Graphical abstract