Thermal and electrical efficiency of photovoltaic cells enhanced by RT-grade paraffin PCMs with optimized geometric design: a case study in Iran

Abstract Among renewable energy sources, solar energy can be used for various applications. However, the high temperature of crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic (PV) modules can reduce their electrical efficiency and service longevity. Multiphysics simulation is an accurate and robust method for modeling systems with various interacting physical elements, such as photovoltaic systems. In this study, PV, PV/PCM, and PV/PCM-Fin systems with two different grades of paraffin (RT35 and RT42) were modeled in COMSOL Multiphysics using the finite element method. To validate the derived data, recent studies were referenced. The results showed that the average reduction in cell temperature in PV/PCM and PV/PCM-Fin systems compared to PV system was 3.81–4.68 °C and 4.65–6.31 °C, respectively. The enhancement in the maximum electrical power of the cells in these systems with temperature reduction was 0.615 W m −2 K −1 and 0.638 W m −2 K −1 , respectively. By absorbing the excess thermal energy of the solar panel, the PV/PCM and PV/PCM-Fin systems delay the photovoltaic cell’s temperature rise during warm months by approximately 1 to 2.5 h. Additionally, the increase in cell efficiency in these systems was 0.495% and 0.496%, respectively, compared to non-cooled solar panel. According to the simulation results, there is an expectation of growth in electrical efficiency at least 2–2.5%. The simulation results showed that the PV/PCM-Fin system reduces the solar cell’s temperature more effectively than the PV/PCM and consequently induces a more significant delay in cell temperature rise. Thus, this system’s performance is superior among the systems tested in terms of power and electrical efficiency.