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@article{200124,
        author = {Aflak C P and Divnesh V S and Martin Bovaz J and R Christu Paul},
        title = {PARAFFIN-BASED PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS FOR THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF SOLAR PANELS},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {217-220},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=200124},
        abstract = {Solar photovoltaic (PV) modules suffer a significant decline in performance due to thermal loading during operation. Although only 15–20% of the incident solar energy is converted into electricity, nearly 80% is dissipated as heat, causing the PV cell temperature to rise beyond 65–75 °C in typical Indian conditions. This thermal accumulation results in reduced electrical efficiency, increased resistive losses, and long-term material degradation. To mitigate this challenge, the present work investigates a hybrid passive thermal management and energy-recovery system integrating Phase Change Material (PCM), Graphene-enhanced composite, and a Thermoelectric Generator (TEG).
Paraffin wax was selected as the base PCM for its high latent heat capacity and chemical stability. However, due to its inherently low thermal conductivity (~0.2 W/m·K), graphene nanoplatelets were incorporated to enhance heat absorption and accelerate phase transition. A custom CNC-machined wooden enclosure was designed and fabricated with a top cut-out to hold a mini solar panel, while the interior housed the PCM composite and the TEG module. The TEG was sandwiched between the PV panel and the PCM layer to utilize the temperature difference created during both daytime and nighttime cycles.},
        keywords = {PCM, TEG, Photovoltaic, Paraffin wax},
        month = {May},
        }