Thermal regulation of photovoltaic panels using PCM with multiple fins configuration: Experimental study with analysis

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical analysis of thermal regulation of solar panels using Phase change materials (PCM). Three different materials; RT31, RT35, and RT42 were investigated using different fins inserts. The presented theoretical model predicts the solar panel's temperature with a PCM underneath it. The experimental work was divided into two stages. Initial phase: intended to select the best phase change material amongst the tested and compare its cooling performance to the uncooled panel. The outcomes from the initial stage were that RT31 melting point is too low to be used under the test conditions. The second phase examined how semi-cylindrical, triangular, and rectangular fins affect heat transfer through the material’s layers. In this stage, RT35 and RT42 were used under radiation intensities of 510, 680, and 850 W/m2. RT42 with triangular fins showed that it can reduce the panel’s temperature by 24 % and 19.4 % at the lowest and highest tested radiation intensities, respectively compared to the uncooled one. This could lead to increase the solar panel’s efficiency by 7 to 8.4 % between the lowest and the highest tested solar intensity. RT42 demonstrated two advantages over RT35. Firstly, it had a longer lifetime, making it more durable. Secondly, it solidifies faster during nighttime, which is beneficial for the heat sink's performance.