Development of a new PVt / PCM System for Heating and Power

This study presents a PVt/PCM design that combines heat exchanger and PCM storage to increase power output. The PCM first absorbs sensible heat and when it reaches the melting temperature, it absorbs latent heat and continues to melt. When the phase change is complete, the temperature of the PCM starts to rise. The design consists of a PCM tank under the PV panels and a PCM heat box. In this design-free PVt/PCM system, the thermal efficiency is enhanced by the ability of the PCM to store excess heat during peak radiation periods, and this stored thermal energy can then be released when needed, allowing heat to be used more consistently and efficiently. Energy balance equations were used to determine the thermal energy of the PVt during the summer day in the UK. MATLAB simulations show different heat conduction rates in PCMs. Thermal efficiency measures the system's effectiveness in converting solar energy into useful thermal energy. Incorporating PCM helps maintain PV cell temperatures, preserving electrical efficiency.