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ENCIT 2022
19th Brazilian Congress of Thermal Sciences and Engineering
Experimental evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal system with glycerol-based phase change material
Submission Author:
Marco Antonio Bertogna , PR
Co-Authors:
Marco Antonio Bertogna, Stephan Hennings Och, JOSÉ VIRIATO COELHO VARGAS, Luís Mauro Moura
Presenter: Marco Antonio Bertogna
doi://10.26678/ABCM.ENCIT2022.CIT22-0481
Abstract
The temperature rise of a photovoltaic cell provokes a reduction of it’s electric efficiency. Options of cooling the cells include hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) solar system and using phase change materials (PCMs). These two systems work well together, increasing each other’s efficiency. Commercially available PCMs are expensive, reducing their viability. In this research, a PVT-PCM system is analysed, using a glycerol-based PCM, which is a byproduct of bio-diesel production. Outdoor experiments are made to compare this system’s performance against a standard PV panel. Tests are held in a city with mild weather to test the PCM’s viability. A mathematical model is proposed, validated and used to determine the system’s viability in a hot desert climate. It was found that, during the winter, the use of a cooling system is not required even in a clear sunny day, but the thermal system provides useful thermal energy. Simulation of the system in the Nevada desert showed that the cooling system is not sufficient for too harsh climates and changes to the composition of the system are proposed.
Keywords
Hybrid Photovoltaic/Thermal System, Phase Change Material, Glycerol, temperature control, Outdoor Evaluation
