Design Of Phase Change Coolant Cooling Systems For Small Scale Solar System

Abstract

This report presents the design and experimental investigation of an appropriate PPI metal foam phase change material composite for a small solar cooling system. Two plates of copper metal foam are set at the back of the photovoltaic panel to propose an in-door solar system. 3 sets of experiments are carried out including MF-PCM 10ppi, MF-PCM 20ppi and pure PV panel. The experiment focused on determining the temperature and the power output of the PV system to evaluate a better cooling system. The results of the MF-PCM 20ppi showed that the temperature remained in a relatively stable state when PCM was melted and the output power of MF-PCM 20ppi was higher than pure PV panels and MF-PCM 10ppi. Moreover, the overall temperature of the PV system remained relatively stable, indicating that the performance of the PV system was improved by enhancing the conductivity of PCM. Temperature for MF-PCM 20ppi was obviously lower than the other 2 experimental groups as the increasing surface area of MF raised the contact area with PCM which improved the heat transfer and dissipation processes. Finally, the experimental results show that the application of MF-PCM 20ppi can effectively enhance and stabilize the PV temperature which can achieve a greater level of power output.