Impact of integrated photovoltaic-phase change material system on building energy efficiency in hot climate

A photovoltaic phase change material (PV-PCM) system is investigated as a building element for enhanced energy efficiency by PV cooling and reduced heat transmission indoors. The PV-PCM system is developed by adding a PCM layer behind PV and an insulated chamber behind PV-PCM to mimic a scaled down indoor space. The impact of the added PCM layer is experimentally studied on electrical and thermal energy efficiency of the PV and indoor space, respectively in the warmer climate. A drop in PV transient temperature, indoor transient temperature, and delay in peak indoor temperature in observed by the use of PCM. Consequently, an increase in PV power output by 7.2% at peak and 5% on average along with enhanced indoors cooling effect of 9.5% at peak and 7% on daytime average is observed.