Increasing Photovoltaic Panel Thermal Efficiency Using Phase Change Materials and Heatsinks: A Numerical and Analytical Study

In order to mitigate the global energy problem and address environmental issues, it is becoming more important to include renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) panels.However, the working temperature of PV panels has a major influence on their efficiency, which may result in a decrease in energy conversion efficiency and hasten deterioration.Phase change materials (PCMs) and heatsinks have been the focus of current research to improve the thermal performance of PV panels.Using PCMs and heatsinks, this work gives a thorough numerical and analytical examination targeted at improving the thermal efficiency of PV panels.The proposed study uses a multiphysics method to examine the performance of different PCM-based cooling systems in combination with conventional heatsinks by integrating heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and phase change phenomena.In order to do the numerical simulations, a complex mathematical model must be created and include important factors such as the surrounding temperature, solar radiation, panel material qualities, and PCM characteristics.The study investigates the transient behavior of the PCM during the charging and discharging processes, maximizing its heat storage and release capabilities.This is done by using verified computational techniques.The result of changing the thickness of the fin helps to understand the process of transferring thermal energy from the solar panel and passing it to the phase change material.The thickness of 1 mm was the surface temperature of 46.95 degrees Celsius, while the thickness of 2 mm was the temperature of the surface of the plate at 45.734 degrees Celsius.At a thickness of 3 mm, temperatures went down to 44.665 degrees Celsius.The benefit of reducing the temperatures on the surface of a solar panel is to obtain high efficiency and generate the largest possible capacity.A power voltage diagram with varying fin thickness shows that the value of the capacity increases with the increase in the thickness.The basic principle for comparison and understanding of the case is to increase the electrical efficiency, which is the basis for understanding the improvement in temperature.