Energetic simulation of a dielectric photovoltaic-thermal concentrator

Abstract

A solar concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (CPVT) module with cell immersion in dielectric liquid has been modelled and energetically simulated. The concentrator focuses radiation linearly by using a cylindrical shape optics made of polymethyl methacrylate. The geometric concentration is 12 suns with an optical efficiency of 76.14%. The dielectric fluid, deionized water, flows through the concentrator case fulfilling a double function: to concentrate and to cool the PV cells. The concentrator is designed to be superimposed in front of the windows in a 2-storey family house with 4-person occupancy. The system is modelled to partially cover thermal and electrical demands utilizing a radiant floor and a reversible air-air heat pump for space heating and cooling (SH&C) and an electrical circuit which combines direct consumption and battery storage. The system topology has been simulated for three locations (Lisbon, Barcelona and Genoa). Results indicate an appropriate performance of the system analyzed with DHW solar fractions in a range from around 61% to above 75%. The lowest corresponds to Genoa and the highest to Lisbon and Barcelona. Regarding SH&C solar fractions are also quite adequate with values ranging from 38.3% (Genoa) to above 60% (68.8% in Lisbon and 62.4% in Barcelona). Finally, SFs for electrical loads take a value of 44.09% in the case of Lisbon, 38.9% for Barcelona and 23.51% for Genoa.