Multi-Fidelity Modelling of Solar-Driven Hybrid Cooling Panels with Waste Cooking Oil as Phase Change Materials

The environment faces significant threats as CO2 emissions as a major contributor to global warming while also creates an opportunity to convert waste to wealth. This study demonstrates the potential of waste cooking oil (WCO) as a source of bio-based phase change materials (PCMs) employed in a solar-powered hybrid cooling panel that incorporates photovoltaic (PV) power generation, thermoelectric cooling (TE), and latent heat storage (LHS). A multi-fidelity modeling framework combining system-level energy balance modelling, finite-element thermal analysis, and machine learning surrogate model was developed to evaluate the system's thermal, economic, and environmental performance. Results indicate that a single panel can delivers approximately 6–15 kWh/day-1 of cooling, reduces peak indoor temperatures by up to 3°C, and shifts cooling loads by about 3 hours. Surrogate models (R² > 0.97) identifies PV efficiency and PCM thermal conductivity as the critical parameters for durability. Techno-economic analysis indicates a payback period of 3–4 years, reduced to around 2 years with incentives, while lifecycle analysis indicates that panel achieves a carbon payback under 2 years by avoiding around1.2 t CO₂ annually and reutilizing 40 kg of WCO as functional thermal storage. The results establish the potential of waste derived PCM, as a sustainable cooling solution for building.