Novel multi-layer nano-modified PCM configuration for efficient thermal management of photovoltaic-thermal systems
Saleh Al Arni, Jasim M. Mahdi, Azher M. Abed, Karrar A. Hammoodi, Husam Abdulrasool Hasan, Raad Z. Homod, Nidhal Ben Khedher
Abstract
Effective thermal management of photovoltaic (PV) systems is crucial for mitigating temperature-induced efficiency losses and enhancing overall performance. This study proposes a novel approach to address this challenge by employing multi-layer phase change materials (PCMs) with strategically degraded nanoparticle concentrations integrated into photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems. The transient heat-transfer dynamics, temperature distributions , and conversion efficiencies were numerically investigated for three configurations: a uniform single-layer nano-PCM, a two-layer nano-PCM with degraded concentrations, and a three-layer nano-PCM with degraded nanoparticle concentrations. Notably, the three-layer degraded configuration consistently outperformed other arrangements, maintaining PV temperatures up to 5 °C lower and electrical efficiencies up to 4 % higher over 100 min of operation. This configuration also achieved the highest thermal efficiency of 0.682, surpassing the single PCM case by 6.7 %. By combining multi-layer PCMs with degraded nanoparticle loadings, the proposed approach enabled more uniform heat distribution within the nano-PCM composite, overcoming the inherent limitation of decreasing thermal interaction between nanoparticles and PCM regions farther from the heat source observed in uniform nano-PCMs. The proposed approach for thermal management can significantly enhance the heat absorption, temperature regulation, and thermoelectric performance of PVT systems under continuous operation scenarios.