Lakhasly

In this year-long study conducted in Cairo, Egypt, an innovative water-based photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system coupled with phase change material (PCM) was evaluated for its ability to enhance building energy efficiency.Economically, the PVT-PCM system achieved a 1.58-year payback period, and carbon emissions were reduced by 32%, highlighting its viability and environmental benefits.

In this year-long study conducted in Cairo, Egypt, an innovative water-based photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system
coupled with phase change material (PCM) was evaluated for its ability to enhance building energy efficiency.
The system utilizes 22 copper capsules filled with RT35 paraffin wax and a water-cooling duct to ensure optimal
electricity generation and heat storage. The proposed system underwent detailed 4E (energy, exergy, economic,
and environmental) assessments to compare its performance against traditional uncooled PV panels. The results
indicated significant improvements: a reduction in cell temperature by up to 8.3 ◦C, an increase in electrical
efficiency by 4.0–13.3%, and a boost in power output by 4.1–15.9%. Overall, the system demonstrated efficiencies between 27.23 and 67.33%, along with an exergy efficiency peak at 74.64% in July, substantially
outperforming the uncooled panel. Economically, the PVT-PCM system achieved a 1.58-year payback period, and
carbon emissions were reduced by 32%, highlighting its viability and environmental benefits. The potential of
the PVT-PCM system to advance sustainable building energy management was strengthened by this study,
providing a significant step forward in integrating renewable energy within architectural designs.