Experimental analysis and modelling of a photovoltaic powered thermoelectric solid-state cooling system for transition towards net zero energy buildings under different solar loading conditions

Abstract

Global climate change and increase in cooling demand, necessitates the transition towards Zero Energy Buildings and research into alternative cooling technologies for building applications. The solid-state thermoelectric modules (TEMs) do not use any refrigerants for cooling and thus present an alternate cooling technology. In order to achieve the targets of UN SDG 7,11 and 13, buildings must incorporate energy efficient features. The objective of this study is to assess the cooling capability of thermoelectric modules experimentally and through CFD/FEM modelling. The thermoelectric cooling system results are analysed under different current, irradiance, and temperature conditions using a novel reference day methodology. The results show that this system is effective in lowering the room temperature by 5–16 °C and can achieve thermal comfort conditions. The experimental results show 1.01 and 1.41 COP for 10 °C and 7 °C temperature differential respectively with ±0.59 °C uncertainty for temperature and ±0.58 W for power measurement at 95% confidence level. It is also observed that the system is most ideal for temperate zone, tropical zones as per Koppen climatic classification. A novel building integrated, semi-transparent thermoelectric module (STEM) design powered by a photovoltaic system is proposed for Net Zero Buildings as an alternative to refrigerant based air-conditioning.