A comprehensive review on performance evaluation of PV panel using phase change material for thermal energy management

The performance of photovoltaic (PV) systems is significantly influenced by surface temperature, which reduces electrical efficiency under high solar irradiance. Sensitivity of the photovoltaic systems (PV) is affected considerably by the surface temperature, reducing the electric efficiency of PV under high solar radiation. Different methods have been used to overcome this, such as the phase change material (PCM) cooling, nanofluid cooling, forced air, forced water, heat pipes, and natural cooling. Here we assess how effective these methods are in increasing electrical and thermal efficiency. When comparing the use of nanofluid and forced air cooling, the potential increase in electrical efficiency is 11.9% and 11.4%, respectively, whereas with the application of PCM and forced water cooling, the gain is less, at 5.2%. On the other hand, the PCM reveals the highest Δη ther at 72.6% whereas the nanofluids at 67.0%. It is, therefore, reasonable to anticipate promising prospect on combined application of nanofluids and PCMs for enhancing PV system performance especially in hot climatic zones.