Combined photovoltaic and thermal enhancements of solar photovoltaic system using SiO 2 and Al 2 O 3 nanoparticle-enhanced paraffin wax phase change material

This research investigates ways to boost power output from Solar Photovoltaic Thermal (SPVT) panels that experience reduced efficiency due to elevated temperatures. The scientists experimentally tested a passive cooling system using nanoparticle-enhanced paraffin wax phase change material (NPCM) infused with silicon dioxide (SiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles to improve the thermal and electrical performance of a 100 W SPVT system.

Outdoor experiments were performed between 8:00 and 16:00, and the outcomes of the conventional SPVT system were contrasted against those of SPVT systems with PCM and NPCM. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate the thermal stability and phase-change properties of the NPCM, which were then contrasted with those of pure PCM.

The findings showed that the NPCM-SPVT system lowered the panel temperature by 4.5 °C and enhanced electrical and thermal efficiencies by up to 2.7% and 6.4%, respectively, in comparison to the standard SPVT system under peak solar radiation conditions. These enhancements underscore the efficacy of NPCM-based passive cooling and demonstrate its potential for elevating SPVT performance in areas with strong solar radiation and high ambient temperatures.

The authors express gratitude to Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, India, for offering facilities for this research.