Abstract: A solar photovoltaic powered phase change material thermal energy storage system includes a refrigerator unit having a phase change material (PCM) tank and a photovoltaic (PV) panel to provide electrical energy to the PCM tank to melt a PCM stored therein. The PCM tank includes a refrigeration coil immersed in the PCM and configured to circulate refrigerant to between the PCM tank and a condenser. Energy released and absorbed during solidification and melting of the PCM is used to support an air-conditioning (AC) unit and substitute power used by a compressor of the AC unit, to handle demand during peak hours, thereby reducing overall power requirement of a facility. The melting of the PCM is also controlled, so that the AC unit may operate with the aid of the PCM for longer duration during the day.

Abstract: A thermal management device for a photovoltaic panel includes a phase change material layer attached to a back side of the photovoltaic panel. The thermal management device includes a Seebeck thermoelectric generator having a first surface attached to the phase change material layer. The thermal management further device includes a heat sink attached to a second surface of the Seebeck thermoelectric generator. The heat sink is configured with a sinuous coil, a water inlet port and a water outlet port connected to the sinuous coil, and a plurality of heat fins. The thermal management further device includes a casing box configured to enclose its various components, and a glass cover attached to the casing box and configured to cover a top surface of the photovoltaic panel.

Abstract: A method includes mixing a dopant salt of at least one of cobalt, nickel, zinc, and scandium with a silicate, in a solvent, to form a first solution. The method includes mixing the first solution with a solvent mixture to form a second solution. The method further includes mixing the second solution with an acid to form an acid solution. The method further includes adding a catalyst and a polymer to the acid solution to form the doped PCM. The doped PCM includes the catalyst, the polymer, at least one of cobalt, nickel, zinc, and scandium, and SiO2.

Abstract: A system and methods for photovoltaic phase change material assisted thermoelectric air cooling and heating of a building includes a photovoltaic phase change material wall unit which is cooled by absorption of heat by a phase change material attached to the photovoltaic wall unit; a photovoltaic phase change material roof unit which converts solar radiation into electric energy; Peltier based thermoelectric units configured to heat and cool air streams passing through an air duct; and Seebeck effect based thermoelectric units which convert a temperature gradient into thermoelectric power. A hot air stream in the air duct is directed to an air duct on a roof of the building and a cold air stream from the first air duct is circulated into the building interior to achieve thermal comfort.