Thermal Regulation of PV Panels via Bio-Based Phase Change Materials

Abstract

The degradation of photovoltaic performance due high operating temperature remains a major challenge in PV technology. The integration of phase change materials offers an effective solution by absorbing the excess heat through latent heat storage during PV operation. This study numerically investigates the impact of incorporating different PCM on PV temperature regulation and electrical efficiency, under varying solar irradiance and PCM thicknesses. A transient energy balance model was developed and solved using the finite difference method FDM. Results showed the PCM integration slows PV temperature rise and enhances electrical efficiency. Among the tested materials, the bio-based PCM BWCO demonstrated effective thermal performance even at low thicknesses.