Enhancing the performance of concentrator photovoltaic systems using Nanoparticle-phase change material heat sinks

Highlights: • Nanoparticle-PCM enhances temperature uniformity and efficiency of solar cells. • Increasing nanoparticle fraction in PCM reduces local solar cell temperature. • Using Al₂O_3-PCM is a more effective cooling method compared to SiO₂ or CuO. -- Abstract: In this research work, the performance of a concentrator photovoltaic Nanoparticle-phase change material (CPV-Nanoparticle-PCM) hybrid system is investigated at a solar concertation ratio (CR) of 20. The influence of different nanoparticles (Al₂O₃, CuO and SiO₂) at loading ratios (1 wt% and 5 wt%) on the overall performance of a concentrator photovoltaic system is explored. A comprehensive two-dimensional hybrid model consisting of photovoltaic layers and a Nanoparticle-PCM heat sink is developed and numerically simulated. The predicted results are validated using the available experimental and numerical data. It is found that PCM's thermal conductivity has significantly increased with the addition of Al₂O₃, compared with CuO, SiO₂ nanoparticle which enhances the process of heat transfer, melting rate, and accordingly reduces the solar cell temperature. Furthermore, using Nanoparticle-PCM attains a higher temperature uniformity and electrical efficiency of the CPV system. It is found that utilizing Al₂O₃-PCM at 5 wt% attains an electrical efficiency of 8% and temperature uniformity of 12 °C compared to pure PCM (0 wt%) where the electrical efficiency reaches 6.36 % and a temperature uniformity of 20 °C. This novel CPV-Nanoparticle-PCM system can be recommended for residential and industrial applications due to its ability to save energy and offer safe operating conditions.