Thermal management of solar panels is a major challenge, particularly in hot climates, and has attracted growing interest from both researchers and professionals in the photovoltaic (PV) sector. In this study, a two-dimensional numerical analysis was conducted to evaluate the thermal performance of an aluminum box filled with a phase change material (PCM) used for cooling a solar panel. The impact of integrating horizontal fins placed either on one side or on both sides of the PV/PCM system, was also examined to optimize heat transfer and stabilize temperature. The simulations indicate that a configuration with five fins arranged on one side, spaced 18.25 mm apart, provides effective cooling. The use of RT25 PCM maintains the surface temperature at 28 °C for 100 minutes before it gradually increases without exceeding 65 °C. Similarly, RT35 also demonstrates good thermal performance, maintaining the temperature between 35 and 43 °C for 252 minutes before eventually reaching a peak of 61 °C. These results highlight the effectiveness of the fins and the critical role of PCM selection in enhancing the thermal regulation of solar panels.

In heavy industrial processes, such as the treatment of phosphogypsum (a by-product of fertilizer manufacturing), a colossal amount of heat is generated and, in most cases, simply released into the atmosphere. This is a free and abundant source of energy that we are wasting. This research proposes to transform this low-temperature waste heat into usable electricity using smart technology : the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). Think of the ORC as a mini power plant (prototype) specially designed for low temperatures. Instead of using water, it uses a special organic fluid (similar to a refrigerant) that boils very easily, allowing it to capture the energy from the residual heat and convert it into electricity. This approach is not only environmentally friendly and economically viable, but it also makes the entire industrial process much more efficient while reducing thermal pollution released into the environment. To ensure the best performance, the investigation tested four different fluids (R245fa, R1233zd, R1234ze, and R227ea) using advanced Aspen Plus simulations. The most powerful organic fluid is R245fa, which proved to be the best performer, capable of converting 16.9% of waste heat into electricity. This study validates that integrating ORC systems into phosphogypsum processing plants is technically feasible and financially sound. It opens the door to more sustainable industrial practices and better management of our energy resources.