Investigation of Optimum Phase Change Material for PV Panels in Malaysian Climatic Conditions

Due to an immense increase in population and technological developments, energy demand is growing at a rapid rate across the world. To overcome this issue, it is important to opt for a limitless, economical renewable energy source for energy demand. This paper presents a methodology for selecting the most suitable phase change material that can effectively reduce the PV panels temperature, thereby improving their overall efficiency and output. The climate conditions of Malaysia are under research in this paper. Monthly and Daily analysis is carried out for two Malaysian cities (Kuala Lumpur and Pahang). Phase Change Materials having a melting point of 21°C and 27°C named RT21 and RT27 respectively are used in combination to predict the best result. To determine the most suitable phase-changing material, a daily and monthly analysis was performed on two distinct climatic zones identified within the Koppen Climate Classification, namely Af and Cfb. Af climate is related to tropical humid climate while Cfbis focused on oceanic climate. The conclusions drawn from this research suggest that the using PCM RT21 results in the cooling of PV panel surface temperature, causing a consequent expansion in efficiency and electrical output of 2% and 6%, respectively. While with PCM RT27 these numbers are not that much significant. Using PCM with a melting point of 21°C, the maximum cell temperature can be lowered from 32°C to 25°C in Kuala Lumpur and 33°C to 26°C in Pahang duiing the hottest month of May. The results show that PCM-RT21 is appropriate for cooling PV systems for climate classification of (Cfb) and (Af) as compared to PCM-RT27.