In the quest to boost the efficiency of solar panels, a team of researchers led by Md. Golam Kibria from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology in Bangladesh has made a significant stride. Their work, published in the journal *Energy and Built Environment* (which translates to *Energy and Built Environment* in English), focuses on enhancing the performance of photovoltaic (PV) panels using a novel approach involving phase change materials (PCMs) and hybrid nanoparticles.
The team’s research addresses a critical challenge in the solar energy sector: the decrease in electrical efficiency of PV panels as their temperature rises. To mitigate this issue, they turned to PCMs, which can absorb and release heat, thus helping to regulate the temperature of the panels. But they didn’t stop there. They went a step further by incorporating hybrid nanoparticles of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) into the PCMs.
The results were promising. The team found that the thermal conductivity of the hybrid nano-PCM (HNPCM) increased significantly compared to the PCM alone. “The thermal conductivity of HNPCM increased by 24.68%, 28.57%, and 41.56% for the inclusion of 0.5%, 1%, and 2% hybrid nanomaterial respectively,” Kibria explained. This enhancement in thermal conductivity translates to better heat management, which is crucial for maintaining the efficiency of PV panels.
The team also developed a prediction model using response surface methodology (RSM) to analyze the interaction between various operating factors and the performance of the PVT/PCM and PVT/HNPCM systems. The model proved to be statistically significant, with a P value of less than 0.0001, indicating its appropriateness for predicting the systems’ performance.
The practical implications of this research are substantial. The electrical efficiency of the PVT/HNPCM and PVT/PCM systems increased by 31.46% and 28.70% respectively compared to conventional PV systems. Moreover, the thermal efficiency of the PVT/HNPCM system reached up to 51.28%, outperforming the PVT/PCM system’s highest thermal efficiency of 47%.
This research could pave the way for more efficient solar panels, which in turn could boost the overall energy efficiency in the built environment. As Kibria noted, “These systems advance sustainable urban development and climate goals by combining PV panels’ electrical generation with thermal energy harvesting.”
The findings of this study not only contribute to the scientific understanding of PVT systems but also offer a promising solution for enhancing the performance of solar panels. As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, this research could play a significant role in shaping the future of the energy sector.