SOLAR HEAT MANAGEMENT IN PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS USING PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS

摘要

This disclosure describes systems, apparatuses and methods in which a phase change material is used in conjunction with a photovoltaic device to manage the device temperature due to the heat energy received by the device while the device is generating electricity. The use of the phase change material increases the average operating efficiency of the device by reducing the temperature change that the device is subjected to during operation. Furthermore, the disclosure describes how a phase change material may be selected and incorporated into a PV module based on the anticipated operating conditions and/or the characteristics of the photovoltaic device.