Skip to main content
profile image
Selected Works of Marc Compere
Presentation
Phase-Change Material to Thermally Regulate Photovoltaic Panels to Improve Solar to Electric Efficiency
ASME 2015 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (2015)
  • Andrew H. Rosenthal, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • Bruna P. Gonçalves, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • J. A. Beckwith, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • Rohit Gulati, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • Marc D. Compere, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
  • Sandra K. S. Boetcher, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach
Link
Abstract
This paper investigates the use of phase-change material (PCM) for temperature regulation of a rack-mounted photovoltaic (PV) solar panel. PV panels exhibit a significant decrease in electrical efficiency as temperature trends higher. Current PV panels are approximately 10–16% efficient at harnessing incident solar irradiation into effective electrical power. The remaining solar irradiation that is not converted to electricity will heat the PV panel and decrease efficiency. Using PCM for temperature regulation and temporary heat storage in photovoltaic/thermal systems (PVT) is an emerging technology that has attracted attention recently. The PCM absorbs heat and regulates peak temperature, which allows the PV panel to operate at lower temperatures during peak solar conditions. Further, the waste heat stored in the PCM can be used for other applications. The main focus of this paper is to experimentally evaluate the heat dissipation of four different PCM containment configurations from a simulated PV panel.
Keywords
  • Phase change materials,
  • Solar energy
Disciplines
Publication Date
November 13, 2015
Location
Houston, Texas, USA
DOI
10.1115/IMECE2015-50650
Citation Information
Andrew H. Rosenthal, Bruna P. Gonçalves, J. A. Beckwith, Rohit Gulati, et al.. "Phase-Change Material to Thermally Regulate Photovoltaic Panels to Improve Solar to Electric Efficiency" ASME 2015 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (2015)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/marc_compere/4/