Improving the efficiency of photovoltaic cells using PCM infused graphite and aluminium fins

Out of the four thermal regulation techniques, case D was the most effective at increasing overall efficiency of the PV panel, with the greatest overall efficiency increase of 12.97. The thermal regulation effects of PCM and heat sinks are additive since the PCM creates a shift in temperature rise, whilst heat sink reduces the peak temperature. The increase in thermal conductivity of the PCM from 0.25 W m−1 K−1 to 16.6 W m−1 K−1 provided by the infusion of PCM into graphite has significant added benefits over pure PCM. Further analysis based on overall efficiency demonstrates that combining PCM with heat sinks is in fact essential.