Enhanced energy conversion in a concentrated photovoltaic/thermal system using phase change material as a spectral beam filter

Abstract

Thermal stability and spectral absorption challenges still limit concentrated PV/thermal efficiency. This study proposes a novel concentrated PV/thermal system with a hybrid spectral filter integrating a selective liquid filter and phase change material. Innovative numerical procedures are applied to perform 3D multiphysics modeling, uniquely accounting for variations in the optical behavior of phase change materials across phase transitions and wavelengths. Following model validation, performance analysis explores the effects of operating conditions and design parameters on yields, efficiencies, and market feasibility. The findings indicate that integrating phase change material with a selective liquid filter enhances thermal management, stabilizes PV temperatures, and improves spectral absorption, increasing overall yields. The proposed design achieves superior efficiency, with a 49.15 % energy conversion rate and a 240 % improvement over conventional concentrated PV systems.