A Photovoltaic Panel Integrated with Phase Change Material as Peak Shaving for Domestic Hot Water Energy Demand

Abstract Phase change materials (PCMs) applied to photovoltaic (PV) panels are a promising solution recover the large share of energy from incident radiation, not converted into electricity. PCMs can store huge amount energy, exploiting solid-liquid phase change, which occurs at nearly constant temperature. In addition, reducing temperature PV panel increases its electric conversion efficiency. This papers experimentally investigates match between heat production PV-PCM system and domestic hot water (DHW) demand typical residential building. Different curves analyzed, all have peak in evening period. The solar radiation profile sunny day is reproduced under simulator. Once PCM fully melt, hydraulic circuit, connects exchanger immersed tank, activated extract stored. tests performed by varying size tank storage. Results show that storage volume 50 L, 75 100 L 125 ensures reduction 15.3%, 21.2%, 22% 21.5% respectively, compared traditional heaters.