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dc.contributor.authorSharma, S
dc.contributor.authorMicheli, L
dc.contributor.authorChang, W
dc.contributor.authorTahir, AA
dc.contributor.authorReddy, KS
dc.contributor.authorMallick, TK
dc.date.accessioned2017-10-02T12:35:31Z
dc.date.issued2017-09
dc.description.abstractBuilding-Integrated Concentrated Photovoltaics (BICPV) is based on Photovoltaic (PV) technology which experience a loss in their electrical efficiency with an increase in temperature that may also lead to their permanent degradation over time. With a global PV installed capacity of 303 GW, a nominal 10 °C decrease in their average temperature could theoretically lead to 15 GW increase in electricity production worldwide. Currently, there is a gap in the research knowledge concerning the effectiveness of the available passive thermal regulation techniques for BICPV, both individually and working in tandem. This paper presents a novel combined passive cooling solution for BICPV incorporating micro-fins, Phase Change Material (PCM) and Nanomaterial Enhanced PCM (n-PCM). This work was undertaken with the aim to assess the unreported to date benefits of introducing these solutions into BICPV systems and to quantify their individual as well as combined effectiveness. The thermal performance of an un-finned metallic plate was first compared to a micro-finned plate under naturally convective conditions and then compared with applied PCM and n-PCM. A designed and fabricated, scaled-down thermal system was attached to the electrical heaters to mimic the temperature profile of the BICPV. The results showed that the average temperature in the centre of the system was reduced by 10.7 °C using micro-fins with PCM and 12.5 °C using micro-fins with n-PCM as compared to using the micro-fins only. Similarly, the effect of using PCM and n-PCM with the un-finned surface demonstrated a temperature reduction of 9.6 °C and 11.2 °C respectively as compared to the case of natural convection. Further, the innovative 3-D printed PCM containment, with no joined or screwed parts, showed significant improvements in leakage control. The important thermophysical properties of the PCM and the n-PCM were analysed and compared using a Differential Scanning Calorimeter. This research can contribute to bridging the existing gaps in research and development of thermal regulation of BICPV and it is envisaged that the realised incremental improvement can be a potential solution to (a) their performance improvement and (b) longer life, thereby contributing to the environmental benefits.en_GB
dc.identifier.citationDOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.09.076en_GB
dc.identifier.doi10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.09.076
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10871/29641
dc.language.isoenen_GB
dc.publisherElsevieren_GB
dc.subjectBuilding-integrated concentrating photovoltaic (BICPV)en_GB
dc.subjectPhase Change Materials (PCM)en_GB
dc.subjectNanomaterial enhanced PCM (NEPCM, n-PCM)en_GB
dc.subjectMicro-finsen_GB
dc.subjectPassive coolingen_GB
dc.subjectThermal managementen_GB
dc.titleNano-enhanced phase change material for thermal management of BICPVen_GB
dc.typeArticleen_GB
dc.date.available2017-10-02T12:35:31Z
dc.identifier.issn0306-2619
dc.descriptionThis is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.en_GB
dc.identifier.journalApplied Energyen_GB


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