Thermal analysis of parabolic trough concentration photovoltaic/thermal system for using in buildings

Abstract

In this research, a parabolic trough concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPVT) was used to provide the energy needed for a residential building. In order to do this, the required amount of heating and cooling and electrical energy was first obtained using Carrier software, then the electrical demand was obtained according to the standard model and governing relations. In the next step, the CPVT as a source of heat and cooling, and electrical energy for the building, was simulated in TRNSYS software. In order to achieve the highest reliability in terms of heat supply and reduction of thermal losses in the whole system, phase‐change material was used as a heat storage source. Mehrabad (Tehran) was considered as the target area in simulation. For this area the highest radiation intensity is 7.79 kWh/m2·day, which shows the potential of the region. The simulation results of the studied system showed that the highest output temperature and solar fraction for total load in building from CPVT was 150°C and 0.0.2926. © 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 38: e13220, 2019