Phase Change Material Application in Photovoltaic Systems: Performance Analysis and Optimization

International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJEEE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 10

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Pallavi Roy, Bipul Kumar Talukdar, Bani Kanta Talukdar, Snigdha Borah

10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V12I10P106

How to Cite?

Pallavi Roy, Bipul Kumar Talukdar, Bani Kanta Talukdar, Snigdha Borah, "Phase Change Material Application in Photovoltaic Systems: Performance Analysis and Optimization," SSRG International Journal of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 10, pp. 69-78, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488379/IJEEE-V12I10P106

Abstract:

Phase Change Material (PCM) can play a significant role in optimizing Photovoltaic (PV) systems’ Performance, thereby providing a workable solution for improved solar energy conversion and effective thermal management. This paper discusses the effect of various PCMs, i.e., Beeswax, paraffin wax, soy wax, and paraffin wax mixture, on the PV panel performance for different PCM thicknesses and tilt angles under varying solar intensities. Experimental results show that both solar concentration and PCM thickness are influential factors for the efficiency and power generation of the PV panels. Among the tested materials, Beeswax consistently demonstrated superior Performance, maintaining higher efficiency across all solar intensities. Thicker PCM layers were found to improve thermal control, reducing panel temperature and thereby increasing efficiency, particularly under high solar irradiance. Notably, the Beeswax–paraffin blend showed moderate efficiency gains at a 45° tilt, while Beeswax alone achieved the highest efficiency improvement of 29.87% under increased thickness and sun intensity. These findings provide important insights into the role of PCMs in thermal management of PV systems and support the potential of Beeswax as a feasible option for enhancing solar energy conversion in real-world applications.

Keywords:

Phase Change Materials, Photovoltaic systems, Temperature management, Solar concentration, Thermal management, Performance enhancement.

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