A novel stochastic optimization model to design concentrated photovoltaic/thermal systems: A case to meet hotel energy demands compared to conventional photovoltaic system

Abstract

This study offered a novel optimization model to design hybrid solar photovoltaic systems. In addition, the model was able to compare results from conventional photovoltaic panel systems to combined cooling, heating and power systems coupled with concentrated photovoltaic/thermal technology. In the trigeneration system, the concentrated photovoltaic/thermal collector, operating with an absorption chiller and hot water tank stratified, was modeled to supply the energy loads of hotels located in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Monte Carlo simulation considering uncertainty scenarios was applied to model the electric, cooling, and hot water demands, minute by minute, over a year. The optimal size of each system maximized the equivalent uniform annual cost through nonlinear programming, using the Basic Open-source Nonlinear Mixed Integer programming method. The decision variables for the combined cooling, heating and power system were the number of concentrated photovoltaic/thermal collectors and the hot water storage capacity. For the conventional photovoltaic system, the decision variable was the number of photovoltaic panels to be installed. In total, 16 hotels were optimized, showing that the total electrical demands met by the photovoltaic systems vary between 30% and 65%, decreasing as the hotel demands grow. Conversely, the trigeneration system would supply around 26–48% of electrical demands, 40–50% of cooling requirements, in addition to providing 20–45% of hot water for heating.