Dynamic Thermal Management Systems for Large-Scale Photovoltaic Farms Using Phase-Change Materials

This study examines the effectiveness of dynamic thermal management systems utilizing phase-change materials (PCMs) in enhancing the performance of large-scale photovoltaic (PV) farms. Focusing on a PV farm in the southwestern United States, which comprises over 10,000 solar panels each rated at 300 Wp, we analyzed a 12-month dataset encompassing ambient temperature, panel surface temperature, solar irradiance, wind speed, and energy output. The research methodology involved characterizing PCMs, developing a thermal model, constructing an experimental prototype, and conducting comprehensive data analysis. Our findings indicate that integrating PCMs reduced the panel surface temperature by approximately 3°C, resulting in a daily energy output increase of 5 kWh and an efficiency improvement of 3.21% to 3.33%. Optimizing the PCM layer thickness revealed that 10 mm strikes the optimal balance between temperature reduction and structural integrity. An economic analysis further demonstrated a positive net present value of $150,000, with a payback period of 5 years, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the PCM-based thermal management system. This research provides critical insights into the feasibility and efficacy of employing PCMs for thermal management in large-scale PV farms.