Characterization, experimental study and optimization of the performance of photovoltaic panel integrated with form-stable phase change materials and conductive ZnO/MnO2 nanoparticles

This study synthesized three form-stable eutectic phase change materials (FS-EPCMs) with varying docosane/coconut oil ratios (30/70, 50/50, and 70/30) to achieve different melting points and latent heats. To improve thermal conductivity, layer-by-layer synthesized ZnO/MnO₂ nanoparticles were incorporated into the FS-EPCMs. Response surface methodology (RSM) optimized PV panel temperature and electrical efficiency, with the coconut oil volume fraction, FS-EPCM thickness, and ZnO/MnO₂ weight fraction identified as significant factors (low p-values). ANOVA revealed key interactions influencing electrical efficiency, with high F-values (212.70 for temperature, 185.05 for efficiency) and low p-values (<0.0001) demonstrating model significance. High R² values (0.9974 for temperature, 0.9970 for efficiency) and adjusted R² values (0.9927, 0.9916) indicate strong model fit, further supported by "Adequate Accuracy" scores (49.87, 44.14). Incorporating ZnO/MnO₂ nanoparticles significantly enhanced PV panel cooling. Optimal performance was achieved with a FS-EPCM suspension comprising 45.30 % coconut oil, 55.70 % docosane, and 16.64 % wt ZnO/MnO₂ nanoparticles at a thickness of 2.477 cm, resulting in a panel temperature of 48.51 °C and an electrical efficiency of 13.11 %.