Experimental ınvestigation of hybrid passive cooling strategies for photovoltaic modules using nano-enhanced PCM and graphene-coated finned structures under hot climate conditions

This study experimentally investigates the use of several passive cooling techniques to enhance the electrical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules under high ambient summer temperatures in Elazığ, Turkey. Throughout the trial period of July, August, and September, a system comprising four photovoltaic panels, one designated as a reference, was developed. The first passive cooling arrangement utilized a paraffin-based phase change material (PCM) RT42HC. In the second configuration, a nano-enhanced PCM (NePCM) composite was employed, prepared by dispersing 1 mass% of Al2O3 nanoparticles into the paraffin matrix and stabilizing them with 3 mass% of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to ensure homogeneous distribution. The third, hybrid configuration integrated 14 graphene-coated parabolic pin-tipped fins mounted externally onto the aluminum enclosure housing the NePCM composite. Experimental results demonstrated that the implemented passive cooling techniques markedly decreased the panel surface temperature, thereby enhancing electrical power output and photovoltaic efficiency. The hybrid graphene-coated fin-NePCM system demonstrated superior performance, achieving a maximum surface temperature reduction of 12.65 °C, a sustained electrical efficiency increase of 6–13%, and an average daily electrical energy gain of 26.23 Wh day−1 compared to the reference module. These findings demonstrate that the integrated hybrid design is an effective and reliable passive cooling method for sustaining photovoltaic system performance under hot climate conditions.