Numerical simulation of a novel pavement integrated photovoltaic thermal (PIPVT) module

Abstract

A combination of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) technology and pavement, namely pavement integrated photovoltaic thermal (PIPVT), is a promising method to take advantage of vast roads and pavements for electrical generation and thermal production simultaneously. In this paper, the PIPVT module is firstly proposed and its mathematical model for performance evaluation is developed. Based on the validated model, a parametric analysis is conducted to investigate the impact of operating parameters and weather condition on its operation performance, and determine the favorable climate and parameter settings for practical application. Results reveal that an increase in solar radiation, ambient temperature and transmissivity of anti-slip layer could lead to a positive influence on the overall performance, while the rise of tank volume and wind speed will deteriorate the system performance, estimated on the primary energy saving (PES) efficiency. Moreover, a case study is performed to examine the feasibility of this novel technology, illustrating that the two PIPVT modules of 0.85 m2 could generate 0.62 kWh electricity and 1.36 kWh heat based on the incident 5.22 kWh solar energy on a typical summer day. Finally, a long-term performance simulation is also conducted, demonstrating that the proposed two PIPVT modules could generate 125.04 kWh electricity and 176.45 kWh heat annually in Shanghai, with the electrical, thermal and PES efficiency at 12.78%, 18.03% and 51.65%, respectively.