Open AccessModelling and Numerical simulation of Nano-enhanced PV-PCM System for Heat Transfer Augmentation from the Panel
Author(s) -
B Charles Divyateja,
K S Unnikrishnan,
B. Rohinikumar
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of physics: conference series
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.21
H-Index - 85
ISSN - 1742-6588
DOI - 10.1088/1742-6596/2054/1/012051
Subject(s) - materials science , fin , phase change material , heat transfer , heat transfer enhancement , photovoltaic system , thermal conductivity , nano , thermal energy storage , heat flux , thermodynamics , heat transfer coefficient , mechanics , composite material , thermal , engineering , electrical engineering , physics
Phase change materials (PCMs) can effectively cool photovoltaic (PV) panels by the passive cooling technique, thereby enhancing its direct energy conversion efficiency. However, generally, PCMs have low thermal conductivity, and different methods can be employed to improve the heat transfer rate. Cooling techniques based on phase change materials (PCMs) enhanced by nano-sized solid particles are very promising. In this paper, a mathematical model is developed to simulate the performance analysis of PV attached with nano-enhanced PCM (NEPCM) integrated with fins and compare the same with that of pure PCM case. The system is oriented in a horizontal position and subjected to constant solar radiation flux of 1000 W / m 2 . The PCM selected is RT25HC, and the nanoparticle used is CuO for the numerical study. The effects of volumetric concentrations (0%, 2%, and 4%) and fin number on the performance of the system are investigated numerically. Results show that adding nanoparticles is more effective in no fin case compared to finned cases. The maximum reduction in average PV temperature of 2.02 °C is obtained for no fin case with the nanoparticles’ volumetric concentration of 4%. Further enhancement in liquid fraction and energy storage in NEPCM is also achieved compared to the pure PCM system.