Conference article

Improving the Performance of Solar Panels by the Use of Phase-Change Materials

Pascal Biwole
University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis, Nice, France

Pierre Eclache
University of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France

Frederic Kuznik
University of Lyon, Villeurbanne, France

Download articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.3384/ecp110572953

Published in: World Renewable Energy Congress - Sweden; 8-13 May; 2011; Linköping; Sweden

Linköping Electronic Conference Proceedings 57:35, p. 2953-2960

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Published: 2011-11-03

ISBN: 978-91-7393-070-3

ISSN: 1650-3686 (print), 1650-3740 (online)

Abstract

High operating temperatures induce a loss of efficiency in solar photovoltaic and thermal panels. This paper investigates the use of phase-change materials (PCM) to maintain the temperature of the panels close to the ambient. The main focus of the study is the CFD modeling of heat and mass transfers in a system composed of an impure phase change material situated in the back of a solar panel (SP). A variation of the enthalpy method allows simulating the material thermo-physical change of properties. The buoyancy term in Navier-Stokes’ momentum conservation equation is modified through an additional term which forces the velocity field to be non-existent when the PCM is solid. For validation purposes; isotherms and velocity fields are calculated and compared to those from an experimental set-up. Results show that adding a PCM on the back of a solar panel can maintain the panel’s operating temperature under 40°C for around two hours under a constant solar radiation of 1000W/m².

Keywords

Solar Panel; Operating Temperature; Phase Change Material

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