Effect of Cantor fractal fin arrangements on the thermal performance of a photovoltaic-phase change material system: An experimental study

Phase change materials (PCMs) could be utilized to regulate the temperature of photovoltaic (PV) panels, thereby enhancing electrical efficiency. However, the performance of PCMs is limited by their low thermal conductivity. A novel Cantor fin based on fractal theory is put forward in this study to be applied for thermal property enhancement in a PV-PCM system. An experimental investigation regarding the influence of structural characteristics and configurations on the performance of the PV-PCM system was implemented using lauric acid as the temperature control medium. The performance of Cantor fractal fins was compared to that of rectangular fins with an equal volume and a finless cavity. The experimental results indicated that the adoption of fins augmented the uniformity of temperature distribution during the melting process of lauric acid compared to the PV-PCM system without fins. It also enhanced the heat transfer rate from the PV panel to the PCM. Specifically, using Cantor fins resulted in a maximum wall temperature decrease of 9.1 degrees C. Generally, Cantor fins outperformed rectangular fins in terms of raising even temperature dispersion in the PCM, lowering the temperature of the PV panel, and enhancing wall temperature uniformity. Furthermore, as compared to the vertical configuration, the horizontal arrangement enhanced the PCM temperature uniformity and electrical efficiency despite decreasing the wall temperature uniformity.