Improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells using PCM infused graphite and aluminium fins

摘要

The purpose of this paper is to assess, through experiment and Mat lab modelling, whether the use of phase change material (PCM) infused graphite with an external finned heat sink is viable as a method of PV thermal regulation. The effect four different thermal regulation techniques (cases A, B, C and D) on the thermal performance, point-based efficiency and overall efficiency of a PV panel have been studied. These four cases are case A, the PV panel with no thermal regulation, case B, the PV panel with 30 mm thick PCM infused graphite attached to the rear, case C, the PV with a finned heat sink attached to the rear and case D, the PV panel with a combination of PCM infused graphite and finned heat sink. Special attention has been paid to the effect that the infusion of PCM into graphite has on the thermal regulation effects of the PCM itself.