Different methods of using phase change materials (PCMs) as coolant of photovoltaic modules: A review

Energy is an important parameter for the sustainable development of each country. Renewable energies are one of the main ways to reach this aim. Photovoltaic (PV) power plant is one of the most popular renewable power generation methods that is available in most parts of the world. Rising the PV cell temperature is one of the proved weak points, which negatively affects their electricity production. Different ways have been proposed in order to degradation of temperature effects on PV cells. One of them, is using phase change materials (PCMs) to prevent the rapid rise of the temperature of PV modules. PCMs absorb parts of the temperature of cells, which leads to decrease the PV temperature. Several methods were presented in PV/T field based on PCMs. The main purpose of this paper is to introduce the major coolant ways of PV modules and provides a review of different methods of cooling PV modules by using PCMs. For each section, some suggestions for developing purposes have been presented.