PCM-in-PV - PV cells with modified optical and thermal properties for high-efficiency electrical applications
Lead Research Organisation:
Imperial College London
Department Name: Chemical Engineering
Abstract
Solar energy technology is one of the favourable alternatives in providing electricity for houses and low-speed vehicles. Due to the elevated environment temperature cause by global warming, the conversion efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cells has decrease tremendously. The aim of this project is to develop a novel PV cell with impregnated phase-change material (PCM), which has the capability of absorbing heat radiated and generated into the cell as the form of latent heat, while maximising the conversion efficiency of a multi-crystalline Si cell with improved thermal and optical properties which converts electricity at low cell temperature. The impregnated PCM acts as an absorber that takes in heat from both the radiation from the Sun and generated from energy conversion. The heat absorbed are stored within the PCM through melting process, i.e. the heat is stored as the latent heat of fusion for the PCM. The transition of phase from PCM provides different thermal and optical properties for the cells, taking in the abundance of heat and light energy from the Sun and transform them into useful energy. The PCM-in-PV project covers a wide range of discipline, such as materials engineering, chemistry, physics, energy, mechanical and chemical engineering.
Organisations
| Description | Through simulation modelling and testing, the process of water cleaning via removal of heavy metal can be performed by utilising the power from solar PV cell. Optimisation of the system is needed to ensure effective energy transfer from solar PV to the electrochemical process, as well as achieving longer lifespans of every material needed for the system. Assumptions used in the model have been re-evaluated to increase the feasibility of the results. From the results, the system provides a new perspective in utilising renewable energy technology that contributes towards the improvement of living quality. |
| Exploitation Route | This system provides new insight into developing an electrochemical system that removes impurities from the water while solely powered by solar energy. The interplay of electricity and heat generation from the PV cell exacerbates the removal of impurities from wastewater that can be utilised as potable water. Thus, this system can benefit the suburban water-stressed regions with unstable grid by supplying clean water and electricity. |
| Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Energy Environment |
| Title | Integrated solar PV, electrochemical and heat transfer based multiphysics model for water treatment |
| Description | The developed model reveals the effective utilisation of solar energy for electricity and heat generation followed by the usage of this heat and electricity for cleaning water using electrochemical process by removal of inorganic wastes. |
| Type Of Material | Improvements to research infrastructure |
| Year Produced | 2025 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | With the heat supplied to the electrochemical process, the removal of impurities enhanced. Additionally, the removal of heat from solar PV improves the generation of electricity. Hence, these integration provides high efficiencies for both systems, and the development of this technology can provide potable water in rural and sub-urban regions |