Experimental study for the use of Na2SO4.10H2O as a PCM with fixed blades for temperature and efficiency parameters of photovoltaic panel

This study used sodium sulfate decahydrate (Na2SO4.10H2O) with different masses as a PCM. Thermal conductivity was improved by using rigid blades and heated sinks instead of flexible blades behind the panel. The results show a positive effect of fixed blades and heatsinks on temperature parameters and panel efficiency. The test was performed in the radiation range of 800 W/m2 at an angle of 35° to the horizon. During the last 70 min of the test, the panel containing phase change material and fixed blades, even after the test was over, had the same temperature as the standard panel. The temperature difference was 11.5 °C compared to the standard panel. In addition, the maximum efficiency difference between the panel with the material of the phase change and the panel with a fixed blade of the phase-changing material with a conventional panel was 3.05% and 6.17%, respectively. Furthermore, mass analysis of PCM reveals that the melting point increases by 50% of the initial mass of the phase material, resulting in a maximum temperature difference of 7.5 °C on the panel surface, a maximum efficiency difference of 2.34%.