Thermal regulation of photovoltaic's cells with a phase change material

Elevation temperature of photovoltaic’s (PV) cells reduced his efficiency, but the use of phase change material’s (PCM) behind the PV can maintain his temperature close of the ambient. This paper studies the use of PCM on the thermal regulation of the PV device and the variation of the number of fins extend through the PCM from 0 to 4. A two dimensional 2D finite volume model of heat transfer in a system composed of PV module attached with a PCM in a rectangular enclosure was used to solve the Navier–Stokes and energy equations. Results have been compared with experimental and numerical data and a good agreement was obtained. Results show that use of PCM can maintain the temperature of PV 36°C for 150 min for a no fins configuration and under 30°C for 150 min for the PV/PCM system with four fins under 750W/m2 solar radiation and 20°C of ambient temperature