Abstract
Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors are hybrid solar collectors that convert solar and ambient energy into thermal and electrical energy. Integrated PVT-HP, in which PVT collectors are combined with a heat pump, offers an efficient and renewable option to replace conventional fossil fuel-based energy systems in residential buildings. Currently, system concepts in which the selection, design and control of the components are aligned towards the system performance are lacking. The development of a system model enables the comparison of a variety of system parameters and system designs, informed decision making based on the energetic performance and the market diffusion of PVT-HP systems. This contribution presents a simulation model of a PVT-HP system. By means of numerical simulations, with simulation program TRNSYS, the energetic performance of a PVT-HP system and the system components are investigated. It is shown that the PVT-HP can cover the annual energy demand of a residential building. The corresponding Seasonal Performance Factor (SPF) is equal to 3.6. Furthermore, the effect of varying weather conditions, occupancy and building orientations on the performance of the reference system is analyzed. The SPF for the investigated scenarios varies between 3.0 and 3.9. Lastly, two system parameters, the PVT collector area, and the PVT collector type are varied as an initial step in the optimization of the system performance. To sum up, the presented PVT-HP model is suitable for dynamic system simulation and the exploration of the system concepts. The simulation study shows that a PVT-HP system can cover the annual energy demand of a residential building. Lastly, parametric variations showcase the optimization potential of PVT-HP systems.
Highlights
Climate change, with all the associated negative consequences, is the main driving force behind the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources
The investigate the effect of the operating conditions, such as the fluid temperature from the PVT collector, on the heat pump performance over a specific period, the so-called Seasonal Coefficient of Performance (SCOP) is defined: R
The energy balance is satisfied as the mismatch between the supply and demand is equal to 2 kWh, which corresponds with 0.1%
Summary
With all the associated negative consequences, is the main driving force behind the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Sakellariou modeled a PVT based solar assisted ground source heat pump system and performed a sensitivity analysis on six parameters on the energy conversion side of the system [7]. In the light of the quest for an alternative to natural gas as the primary energy source in the built environment, together with the fact that PVT-HP systems are a promising alternative, the Solar Energy Application Centre (SEAC) initiated the PVT inSHaPe project. In this project, a broad consortium of partners aims to design, realize, and validate several.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
