PROJECT SYNOPSIS

Abstract : Around the world, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels are extensively used to convert
solar radiation into voltage output, further into electricity. But solar PV panels have adverse
effect on conversion efficiency with the temperature rise of above the optimal working
temperature. This drop in efficiency may up to 0.4-0.65% /°C depending upon the type of solar
cells. Therefore cooling of solar PV panels is necessary to achieve high productivity. There are
mainly two types of cooling methods available; i.e. active cooling and passive cooling. Active
cooling involves the use of externally powered system to cool the solar PV panels.

Performance Parameters : thickness of PCM layer, wind speed, tilt angle of panel, environmental
conditions, type of PCM used, box dimensions, type of panels used, time for which temperature of
panel remains within optimal operating range, maximum temperature reduction and gain in
efficiency, conductivity of PCM, Heat balance, fins etc.

Title : Enhancing the efficiency of solar PV panel Using PCM (Phase Change Material)
with following modification in previous setup :

(i) Compare performance for two or more PCMs with different melting points
(ii) Performance analysis with and without fins
(iii) Performance analysis with and without use of nano particle of metals in PCM
(iv) Performance analysis for different weather conditions throughout the year
(v) Compare performance for active and passive cooling methods (like water circulation
versus PCM use)
(vi) Modelling and simulation for the all above cases using Ansys software

Previous work : Enhancing the efficiency of solar PV panel Using PCM (compare performance of
reference PV system, PV-PCM system and PV-PCM-water system)

Previous setup :
MENTOR: Mr. Arun Beniwal –Reader (Mechanical Engineering Dep’t.) experience of 7
years in teaching profession

The Support System:

We already have following major components :

(i) Pyranometer (to measure solar radiation)

(ii) Data Logger (to store data in excel format for analysis)
(iii) Solar panels
(iv) Fabricated stand for three panels of 20 watt
(v) Temperature sensors

Our institution is capable of supporting the team in project. It’s having all necessary equipment
as like all conventional machines as like lathe, drilling, milling, bending machines as well as
having advanced cnc machine for machining point of view. Our workshop having all basic and
essential processing machines as like arc welding machines, mig welding machines ( under
process ) , foundry shop, smithy shop, carpentry shop for prototype work to develop the product.
We are having world class product & material mechanical properties testing machineries as like
UTM, Torsion testing machines, Impact testing machine, hardness testing machine etc.

Also our institution provides us a sufficient space for developing the project in our campus also.

Yes the host institution has necessary equipments and hardware for the development of the
project and subsequent testing.

What Problem Is The Idea Trying To Solve:

Cooling the PV panel, So efficiency and power output increases

Scope of Commercialization: YES

Financial Requirements: Approx Rs. 15,000 with previous setup or it may vary according to
new setup