On the temperature dependence of photovoltaic module electrical performance: a review of efficiency/ power correlations

Improper operating temperature will degrade the performances of electronic components, Li-ion batteries and photovoltaic (PV) cells, which calls for a good thermal management system. In this paper, specific attention is paid to the thermal management systems based on the phase change materials (PCMs). Performances of the PCM-based thermal management systems for each kind of these three devices along with the type of PCM used, thermal properties of that kind of PCM, like phase change temperature, enthalpy of phase change and thermal conductivity are discussed. Discussion in detail on techniques to improve the thermal conductivity of PCMs is made because of its crucial influence. Advanced-structure heatsinks with multi-layer PCMs and hybrid passive heatsinks combined with active cooling are also introduced. The PCM-based thermal management system is powerful in ensuring electronic devices, Li-ion batteries and photovoltaic cells working safely and efficiently.

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Review on thermal management systems using phase change materials for electronic components, Li-ion batteries and photovoltaic modules

https://arrow.tudublin.ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=dubenart

Evaluation of phase change materials for thermal regulation enhancement of building integrated photovoltaics

The study presented in this paper is based on a detailed review of the literature focused on the use of phase change materials (PCM) for photovoltaic (PV) module thermal regulation and electrical efficiency improvement. The influence of high temperature on PV power generation has been examined and the findings have highlighted the importance of effective thermal regulation for PV models. Various PV cooling methods employed to maintain better PV performance are discussed and the recently emerging PV–PCM system concept for thermal regulation is introduced. A comprehensive literature review of the state-of-the-art aspects of this technology, such as system development, performance evaluation, materials selection, heat transfer improvement, numerical models, simulation, and application in practice is given. The PV–PCM system, however, might not be economically feasible if the enhancement of PV efficiency only is sought. The PV–ST–PCM system, i.e. integrated with a solar thermal (ST) system, has therefore been investigated as the stored heat can be extracted for other thermal applications. The dual PCM roles demonstrate significant application prospects for the combined technology. However, both PV–PCM and PV–ST–PCM systems are still mainly in the research and laboratory test stages, with obvious scope for practical applications but with attendant challenges. Suggestions for the future work are presented.

E. Radziemska

Papers

The effect of temperature on the power drop in crystalline silicon solar cells