Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance Using Phase Change Material (PCM): An Experimental Approach


Authors : Mainak Biswas; Alok Kumar Shrivastav; Ripan Sil, Souvik Pal

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 5 - May


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/ms4y7wts

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25may531

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a leading solution for sustainable energy generation. However, the performance of PV modules deteriorates with increased operating temperatures. This study investigates the enhancement of PV performance through the integration of a phase change material (PCM), specifically paraffin wax, to enable passive thermal regulation. An experimental setup was developed using two identical 20 W PV panels, one integrated with PCM and the other as a control. Over a period of three months in Guwahati, India, real-time measurements were recorded to evaluate thermal and electrical performance. Results revealed that the PCM-integrated panel consistently outperformed the conventional panel, with output power improvements of up to 13.1% and a corresponding surface temperature reduction of over 30%. This research underscores the effectiveness of PCM in improving the thermal stability and energy yield of PV systems.

Keywords : Photovoltaic; Phase Change Material; Paraffin Wax; Passive Cooling; Performance Enhancement, Surface Temperature.

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Photovoltaic (PV) systems have emerged as a leading solution for sustainable energy generation. However, the performance of PV modules deteriorates with increased operating temperatures. This study investigates the enhancement of PV performance through the integration of a phase change material (PCM), specifically paraffin wax, to enable passive thermal regulation. An experimental setup was developed using two identical 20 W PV panels, one integrated with PCM and the other as a control. Over a period of three months in Guwahati, India, real-time measurements were recorded to evaluate thermal and electrical performance. Results revealed that the PCM-integrated panel consistently outperformed the conventional panel, with output power improvements of up to 13.1% and a corresponding surface temperature reduction of over 30%. This research underscores the effectiveness of PCM in improving the thermal stability and energy yield of PV systems.

Keywords : Photovoltaic; Phase Change Material; Paraffin Wax; Passive Cooling; Performance Enhancement, Surface Temperature.

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