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Solar energy industry

Researchers Enhance Photovoltaic Efficiency Using Coconut Oil-Infused Phase Change Material

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers at the National Defence University of Malaysia have successfully enhanced the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels using a coconut oil-infused phase change material (PCM) as a heat sink. The study highlights the potential of using natural, plant-based materials to improve the performance of solar panels, reducing heat buildup and increasing power output.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers used a Co-PCM, an amalgamation of Cocos nucifera oil and paraffin wax, to evaluate its thermal conductivity property using a KD2 Pro thermal analyzer.
  • The study found that the incorporation of the Co-PCM yielded a significant temperature reduction of around 11.4°C on the back side of the PV panel at a 5 mm PCM thickness.
  • The experiments showed that the average power density output of the PV panel increased by 51.21 mW/cm², and the overall power efficiency of the PV panel improved by 12.82% compared to the PV panel without PCM.
  • The research utilized a coconut oil-infused phase change material as a heat sink to minimize the thermal management limitations of traditional cooling techniques.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the development of high-performance and eco-friendly PV panels.

Statistics:

  • 11.4°C: the significant temperature reduction on the back side of the PV panel achieved using the Co-PCM.
  • 51.21 mW/cm²: the increase in average power density output of the PV panel.
  • 12.82%: the improvement in overall power efficiency of the PV panel compared to the PV panel without PCM.

Sources:

  • Experimental investigation to enhance photovoltaic efficiency using coconut oil-infused phase change material as heat sink. Next Energy, 2025,9():100455. (Elsevier)
  • Researchers from National Defence University of Malaysia Publish New Studies and Findings in the Area of Phase Change Materials (Experimental investigation to enhance photovoltaic efficiency using coconut oil-infused phase change material as ...). Electronics Newsweekly. November 4, 2025; p 1904.

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