PV-PCM – Insulated thin-film photovoltaic panel with integrated latent heat accumulator

Objectives and work programme

The objective of this project is to develop and manufacture an insulated facade panel that can be installed in standard mullion and transom facades and implements thin-film photovoltaics (PV) along with an integrated latent heat accumulator consisting of phase-change materials (PCM). Using PCM as a layer between the PV module and the insulation, it is possible to draw thermal energy from the PV module during the day by melting the PCM, thereby reducing the core temperature of the PV cell. As increased temperatures significantly inhibit the efficiency and performance of PV cells, a reduced cell temperature will result in a higher degree of effectiveness. The heat conducting properties of the PV module means that the latent thermal energy stored in the PCM can be released to the atmosphere at night. This significantly improves the performance of the PV module. The use of PCM allows for high temperatures to be buffered and can increase the effectiveness and output of the PV module.

In addition to conducting fundamental research into an adhesive bond between the PV module and PCM layer, the work also focuses on monitoring component models with and without PCM under realistic weather conditions by way of open-field experiments. Comparing the output values of the panels with and without PCM is intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of the PV modules with PCM integration and thus determine the optimal PCM composition for the module’s performance and to identify any other potential improvements.

Partners

Innovent e.V. Technologieentwicklung, Jena,
Pazdera AG, Coburg,
Matino GmbH, Kyritz,
Calyxo GmbH, Bitterfeld Wolfen OT Thalheim,
Polartherm Flachglas, Großenhain,
Ingenieurbüro Heilmann, Pirna.