Modelagem térmica de sistema fotovoltaico integrado com material de mudança de fase e gerador termoelétrico

Abstract

In the past few decades, environmental concerns and sustainability have gained prominence, particularly in the energy sector. Photovoltaic panels convert solar energy, a clean and renewable source, into electricity. However, these panels exhibit low efficiency, which worsens with increasing module temperature. In this study, two combined approaches are explored to enhance system efficiency: temperature control using a phase change material and better utilization of available heat through a thermoelectric generator. To investigate the impact of these elements on panel performance, a mathematical model is proposed, and computational simulations are conducted in MATLAB. The results are compared with those of a photovoltaic panel with commercial specifications without these enhancements, modeled and simulated under the same operating conditions in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The implementation of such improvements effectively manages the photovoltaic temperature, leading to increased system efficiency. For the analyzed variables, the use of the thermoelectric generator does not exhibit an influence comparable to the addition of phase change material in the structure.