Study into predicted efficiency of the application of hybrid solar collectors to supply energy to multi-apartment buildings

Abstract

This paper reports a study into efficiency of the application of hybrid solar collectors, which can simultaneously generate both electricity and thermal energy to supply power to multi-storey buildings. The novelty of the work is that efficiency was predicted taking into consideration the dynamics over recent years and by extrapolating trends in prices up to the year2045 inthe market of renewable energy, in contrast to existing approaches that disregard their likely change over the considered period. The results of calculations were used to model a predicted market value of the equipment, taking into consideration a reduction in its price due to the improved technology for manufacturing the collectors, their installation, and operating costs, over a specified period. In this case, the dynamics in the «basic» and «green» tariffs for solar electric and thermal energy were considered. Values for the coefficients of determination have confirmed sufficient adequacy of the derived models. An example has been provided for determining the electric and thermal loading on a multi-apartment building equipped with gas stoves; the proper equipment for a hybrid solar collector has been selected. The structures and procedures have been proposed for connecting a hybrid collector to the systems the supply electricity and heat to the building. The collector’s modules the type of ATMOSFERA F2PV are arranged at the roof of the building, whose electric components are connected, through an inverter, to the inlet-distributor device in a building or to the low-voltage buses at a power substation with a voltage of 10/0.4 kV, which powers the building. A heat-carrier is fed from the collector, through storage capacities, to a thermal unit into the system of hot water supply and heating of the building. The obtained results of the study have made it possible to predict a probable energy efficiency (the amount of saved conventional fuel), economic (net discounted profit) and environmental efficiency (reduction in emissions that contribute to the global climate warming). The payback period has been determined by consistent calculation of net income for each year over the entire period of realization of investments provided the specified trend in market prices does not change. The paper presents the results from calculating the magnitude of investments and income for inhabitants per each apartment in the building from the implementation of the investment project.