Temperature Regulation and Efficiency Enhancement in PV/T Systems Using Nano-PCM: Experimental Validation

Photovoltaic (PV) systems play a pivotal role in the transition to renewable energy; however, their performance is often constrained by the accumulation of excess heat, which degrades electrical efficiency. Integrating thermal management strategies with PV modules presents a viable approach to enhancing overall system performance. This study enhances photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) system performance using mono and hybrid nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCMs). Paraffin wax (PW82) was doped with TiO₂ and Ti₃C₂ (MXene) nanoparticles at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% via direct synthesis. Experiments under irradiance levels of 600, 800, and 1000 W/m² showed improved thermal conductivity and heat management. The maximum cell temperature reductions were 7°C (pure PCM), 11°C (TiO₂-NEPCM), 15°C (MXene-NEPCM), and 18°C (TiO₂+MXene hybrid). Electrical and thermal outputs increased with nanoparticle concentration, with the 0.3 wt.% hybrid achieving the highest performance. Maximum overall system efficiency reached 81%. Hybrid NEPCMs outperformed mono types, following the trend: TiO₂ < MXene < TiO₂+MXene. These results confirm the effectiveness of hybrid NEPCMs in improving PV/T efficiency and thermal regulation.