Solar panels output optimization using Phase Change Material (PCM) and heatsink applied in open-pit mining

Solar energy can be utilize to power a system located far from the electricity sources such a mobile tower applied in open-pit mining in PT Bukit Asam Tbk. However, the tropical weather in an open-pit mining can increase the surface temperature of a Photovoltaic (PV) panel, lead to overheating and the reduction of the efficiency and the reduced electricity power. This condition requires a cooling system to reduce the temperature. This paper presents the application of Phase Change Material (PCM) and heatsink as the cooling system for a PV panels. The PCM installed are in two sizes aluminum hollows, a 0.0025 m³ and 0.00625 m³. The experiment was conducted in 2 batches, 14-29 February 2020 for the installed 0.0025 m³ aluminum hollow, and 1-14 March 2020 for 0.00625 m³. The application of a 0.00625 m³ can reduce the PV panel's surface temperature up to 3-5°C. The generated current using PCM 0.00625 m³ is 0.034 A for Isc and 0.014 A I_load higher than without cooling system. The application of a aluminum hallow with the size of 0.00625 m³ gives 9-20% efficiency, and the efficiency gives 8-15%. The experimental results show that the use of a hollow aluminum with a size of 0.00625 m³ can reduce the surface temperature of the PV panel and increase the power and efficiency of the PV panels.