Photovoltaic Thermal Collector Research Articles

Study of Ionanofluids Behavior in PVT Solar Collectors: Determination of Thermal Fields and Characteristic Length by Means of HEATT® Platform

Solar electric and solar thermal energies are often considered as part of the solution to the current energy emergency. The pipes of flat plate solar devices are normally heated by their upper surfaces giving rise to an asymmetric temperature field in the bulk of the fluid, which influences the heat transfer process. In the present work, a study of the characteristic length of tubes, or most efficient distance at which heat transfer occurs, in flat photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) hybrid solar devices has been carried out using three heat transfer fluids: water, [Emim]Ac ionic liquid and ionanofluid of graphene nanoparticles suspended in the former ionic liquid. The mean objective of the study was to know whether the heat transfer occurs in optimal conditions. Experimental measurements have been made on a commercial PVT device, and numerical simulations have been performed using the HEATT® platform to determine the characteristic length of the process. The tests conducted showed a clear improvement in the temperature jump of the fluid inside the collector when INF is used compared to water and ionic liquid and even a higher overall energy efficiency. Electricity generation is not greatly affected by the fluid used, although it is slightly higher when water is used. Slower fluid velocities are recommended if high fluid outlet temperatures are the goal of the application, but this penalizes the overall thermal energy production. The characteristic process length is not typically achieved in parallel tube PVT collectors with ordinary flow rates, which would require a speed, and consequently, a flow rate, about 10 times lower, which penalizes the performance (up to four times), although it increases the fluid outlet temperature by 234%, which can be very interesting in certain applications. Ionanofluids may in the medium term become an alternative to water in flat plates or vacuum solar collectors for applications with temperatures close to or above 100 °C, when their costs will hopefully fall. The results and methodology developed in this work are applicable to solar thermal collectors other than PVT collectors.

Selective Transmission and Absorption in Oxide-based Nanofluid Optical Filters for PVT Collectors

The division of the solar spectrum in a photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector serves a dual purpose for separate heat and electricity applications. One part of the spectrum is used for generating electricity, which prevents the excessive temperature increase of the photovoltaic cells, while the other part facilitates a thermal gain. This concept is termed as spectral beam splitting (SBS). In this work, the implementation of SBS in a PVT collector using a nanofluid-based optical filter is investigated. An optical model, based on Rayleigh scattering, is developed to analyze various oxide-based nanofluids for SBS. The purpose of the model is to determine the transmittance and absorbance of ZnO, Fe3O4, and SiO2-based nanofluids across the solar spectrum range of 300nm to 2500nm. The model takes into account the complex refractive indices of the particles and base fluids to determine the scattering, extinction, and absorption efficiencies of the nanofluids being studied. The oxide-based nanofluids outperformed the polypyrrole and Cu9S5-based nanofluids in terms of spectral transmission and absorption of sunlight. Water, de-ionized water, and ethylene glycol are used as base fluids. The nanoparticle-base fluid duos determine the agglomeration and size of the particles in the nanofluid and hence affect their optical properties. Therefore, ZnO-based nanofluids are synthesized in-house to correlate the effects of agglomeration and particle size on the optical properties of the nanofluids derived from the developed theoretical model. Using ethylene glycol as a base fluid has a significant impact on reducing agglomeration, resulting in smaller and more stable nanoparticles, in comparison to using de-ionized water. Furthermore, the influence of particle size, dispersion in the base fluid, and optical length on the optical properties of the nanofluid are examined. It is concluded that adjusting the size (dispersion), concentration, and optical length of the particles can allow for the efficient use of the solar spectrum to generate both electrical and thermal energy.

Performance investigation on PVT collector with cerium oxide nano fluids

The constant temperature rise on the solar panel surface causes a deterioration of electrical power generation. This article is provided with the performance of photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector through cerium oxide with water as a base fluid. A small percentage of incoming radiation is transformed into electricity and rest of them is wasted as hot energy, the panel surface temperature will confine the performance of PV module. The research's objectives were to develop and construct a photovoltaic/thermal collector and evaluate its thermal and electrical energy as an output. The experimental investigation of PVT collector with two different concentration of cerium oxide 0.5 and 1.0 LPM (litres per minute). As per the investigations on the PVT collector results were obtained as electrical performance of collector was attained about 18.56 %, 19.12 % for the flow rate of 0.5 and 1.0 LPM. Similarly, thermal performance was achieved 48.38 %, 54.03 % for the flow rate of 0.5 and 1.0 LPM. Thermal conductivity of cerium oxide nano fluid was much better than the air and water. It was observed that employing a nano fluid to the receiver might increase the efficiency around 5–10 %, compared to utilising water as a base fluid, water can only generate 3–7 %. As a cooling medium, air has a relatively low production capacity between 2 and 3 %.

Utilizing novel industrialized heat exchanger plate in air-based photovoltaic/thermal collectors to enhance thermal and electrical efficiency

This study aims to design a highly efficient and applicable air-based photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector that maximizes both electrical and thermal energy efficiencies. An innovative industrialization-ready configuration of the air-based PVT system is proposed, utilizing an industrialized heat exchanger (GRIPMetal or GM) as the absorber plate for the PVT air channel. The heat exchanger consists of spikes and cavities to enhance the heat transfer coefficient in the air channel. The proposed heat exchanger plate minimally affects the dimensions and weight of the PVT collector. A numerical model, validated against experimental results, is used to ensure the accuracy of the simulation. The study is followed by a parametric study that investigates the geometric effects of the heat exchanger and air channel, as well as the airflow rate, on the overall performance of the PVT system. It is observed that the utilization of GM plates significantly reduces the average PV panel temperature (with a maximum of 28 ℃ reduction) and enhances the convective heat transfer coefficient in the air channel, the electrical and thermal efficiencies by approximately 164%, 16.1%, and 50%, respectively, when compared to a flat plate PVT collector. The results demonstrate that the proposed PVT collector effectively compensates for the pressure drops and excess fan power consumption at low Reynolds numbers due to the GM heat exchanger, resulting in higher overall system efficiency. The optimal configuration for the proposed PVT system is achieved by employing a low airflow rate, a narrow air channel, and GM spikes of the largest size available.

Next-generation solar technologies: Unlocking the potential of Ag-ZnO hybrid nanofluids for enhanced spectral-splitting photovoltaic-thermal systems

In traditional hybrid concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors, suboptimal utilisation of the solar spectrum results in elevated temperatures that adversely affect PV cell efficiency. In this context, solar spectral beam splitting (SBS) designs have emerged as they promise improved solar spectrum utilisation with reduced optical losses. In particular, fluid-based SBS filters, such as novel Ag-ZnO/water hybrid nanofluids, have attracted attention as they present a significant advantage over conventional filters (e.g., anti-reflective coatings, selective coatings, bandpass filters, long-pass/short-pass filters, dielectric filters). These nanofluid filters serve as both heat transfer and thermal storage mediums, enhancing the overall efficiency of PV-T systems. Full-spectrum solar utilisation via SBS enables down conversion in the UV region, transmission of visible and near-infrared light (crucial for Si PV cell optoelectronic efficiency), and absorption of the infrared region. A Ag-ZnO/water nanofluid filter-based PV-T system is investigated and is shown to achieve a thermal efficiency > 65 % with good electrical performance. Optimal conditions include an Ag-ZnO concentration of 50 ppm, solar irradiance of 800–1000 W/m2, and optical thickness of 20 mm. The integration of this type of nanofluid filter enhances spectral selectivity, reduces PV cell temperatures, improves heat extraction, and offers dual functionality: cooling and filtration, making it a promising and economically viable candidate for commercial PV-T applications.

A sustainable floating dome biogas plants integrated with semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal collectors: Construction, production and economic analysis

The design and construction of a self-sustained solar photo-voltaic active thermal heating floating dome biogas plant (35 m3) offers an alternative solution for round year biogas production, managing food and agricultural waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimize pollution. Moreover, this proposed model addresses the challenge of achieving the desired operating temperature (35 ± 2 °C) specially during the cold climatic conditions, which often leads to low gas production and high hydraulic retention time in anaerobic digestion. The integration of solar modules with the biogas digester enables the utilization of thermal energy for slurry heating and electricity for force mode of operation, ultimately enhancing overall energy efficiency. However, to assess the performance of the system, proximate and ultimate analyses as well as a cost-benefit analysis were carried out, considering revenue, and costs associated with construction, operation, and maintenance. The plant produces a significant amount of gas (9–12 m3) and hot water (∼2000 L) replacing approximately one LPG cylinder/2 day as well as organic fertilizer. The economic analysis shows a positive net present value (19.5 lakhs), an internal rate of return (20%), and short discounted payback period (5.7 years). This highlights the economic feasibility of the proposed model and emphasizes the importance of considering economic factors in the design and implementation of sustainable energy solutions. Furthermore, this approach demonstrates the potential for sustainable development and the transition to cleaner and more efficient energy systems by integrating renewable energy generation, waste management, and cost reductions.

Development and Testing of a Low-Concentrating Photovoltaic-Thermal Collector

Testing and certification of solar technologies are crucial to characterize and guarantee their performance under different operating conditions. These procedures are even more relevant for novel solar technologies such as low-concentrating photovoltaic-thermal (LCPV-T) collectors. This paper presents the development and early-stage testing of a LCPV-T collector in a newly established testing laboratory based on a comprehensive review of international standards. The testing facility was designed, built, and commissioned in the north of Mexico, and it is the first of its kind in Latin America. It allows us to evaluate the thermal and electrical performance of LCPV-T collectors with a maximum area of 6 m2 and electrical peak power of 3 kWe. The operational temperature of the LCPV-T collectors can reach up to 120°C and can be characterized under steady-state and quasi-dynamic testing conditions.

Performance Analysis and Optimization of a Channeled Photovoltaic Thermal System with Fin Absorbers and Combined Bi-Fluid Cooling

The conversion efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) cells can be increased by reducing high temperatures with appropriate cooling. Passive cooling systems using air, water, ethylene glycol, and air/water+TiO2 nano bi-fluid froth in the duct channel have been studied, but an overall assessment is essential for its possible application. In the present work, a numerical study is adopted to investigate the impact of the fluid-duct channel type on the electrical and thermal efficiency of the photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector. Such investigation is achieved by means of a MATLAB R2022b code based on the Runge–Kutta (RK4) method. Four kinds of fluid duct channels are used to optimize the best fluid for improving the overall efficiency of the investigated PVT system. The numerical validation of the proposed model has been made by comparing the numerical and experimental results reported in the literature. The outcomes indicate that varying the duct channel nature affects mainly the electrical and thermal efficiency of the PVT collector. Our results validate that the nature of the fluid affects weakly the electrical efficiency, whereas the thermal efficiency is strongly affected. Accordingly, it is observed that PVT collectors based on nano bi-fluid air/water+TiO2 give the best performance. In this context, an appreciable increase in the overall efficiency of 22% is observed when the water+TiO2 fluid is substituted by air/ water+TiO2 nano bi-fluid. Therefore, these motivating results make the PVT nano bi-fluid efficient and suitable for solar photovoltaic thermal applications since this system exhibits a daily overall efficiency of about 56.96%. The present work proves that controlling the design, cooling technique, and nature of the cooling fluid used is a crucial factor for improving the electrical, thermal, and overall efficiency of the PVT systems.

An experimental assessment of a solar PVT-PCM thermal management system in severe climatic conditions

Solar photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors incorporating phase change material (PCM) as an active-passive cooling approach represent a promising solution for thermally managing PV panels. This needs to be experimentally evaluated in harsh outdoor conditions. Therefore, this study examined the electrical and thermal performance of solar PVT systems in comparison to a reference PV panel during six distinct summer days in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A thermal camera was utilized to precisely capture the difference in temperature variations between the two PV panels over the study periods and to examine different options for the PVT collector. On Day 3, near noon, the highest solar irradiance of 1019 W/m2 led to the highest power of the PVT, with an increase of 5.75 % over the reference panel. The highest ambient temperature of 47.69 °C was recorded on Day 1 with 901.4 W/m2 irradiance, providing 10.58 % electrical efficiency of the PVT, an increase of 5.9 %. On Day 6, the PVT module was equipped with eight rectangular metal conduits that were filled with PCM with a transition temperature range of 41–48 °C. This simple-to-implement design added additional passive cooling for the system through the exterior surface of the metal conduits, along with the PCM contribution. The PTV-PCM option led to the best performance, with an 8.05 % improvement in electrical power and efficiency over the reference PV and 71.16 % and 81.50 % thermal and combined PVT efficiencies, respectively. The importance of cooling the PV panel in such challenging circumstances was illustrated by the 2 %–3.24 % increase in electrical output for every 1 °C decrease in the temperature of the cells.

Exergo-economic analyzes of a combined CPVT solar dish/Kalina Cycle/HDH desalination system; intelligent forecasting using artificial neural network (ANN) and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO)

Power and freshwater are two energy-intensive products, which consume a huge amount of fossil fuels. It is important to supply the aforementioned products using renewable energy sources due to the depletion of fossil fuel resources and environmental issues. This paper investigates the exergy and exergy-economic analysis of water and power production using a small-scale combined cycle encompasses the concentrated photovoltaic thermal (CPVT) solar collectors, a Kalina cycle (KC), and a humidification-dehumidification (HDH) desalination unit. An exergo-economic parametric analysis was first investigated to determine the influence of some pertinent parameters on the exergy efficiency, and specific unit cost of the products. In the second stage, two intelligent forecasting approaches based on the artificial neural network (ANN) and improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms were utilized for predicting the performance metrics of the studied system. The system was supposed to work at half of the year's hour. The results demonstrated that the shares of CPVT, generator, humidifier, dehumidifier, and condenser in exergy destruction are 84 %, 6 %, 3 %, 2.5 %, and 2 %, respectively. Moreover, the exergy efficiency, and specific unit cost of the products, unit cost of electricity, and unit cost of the fresh water at the design condition were obtained as 23.23 %, 0.0806 $/kWh, 5.44 $/m3, and 31.15 $/GJ, respectively. Besides, the most effective parameter on the exergy efficiency and the specific unit cost of the products was the solar beam radiation, the increment in which from 300 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 improved the exergy efficiency by 15.21 % and reduced the specific unit cost of the products by 63.16 %. In addition, the increase in the condenser pressure from 15 bar to 22 bar and the generator pinch point temperature difference from 5 °C to 15 °C reduced the exergy efficiency by 8.13 % and 4.03 %, respectively, leading to increasing the specific unit cost of the products by 1.30 % and 4.30 %. The results of modeling showed that hybrid ANN-IPSO models provide the most accurate prediction, highest tendency, and agreement to observation as compared to ANN in terms of (R2| exergy efficiency = 0.9903 and R2| specific unit cost of products = 0.9948) and (RMSE| exergy efficiency = 0.0010 and RMSE| specific unit cost of products = 0.9684).

Performance assessments of ground source heat pump assisted by various solar panels to achieve zero energy buildings in cold climate conditions

This paper aims to perform a comprehensive performance analysis of a solar-assisted ground source heat pump (SAGSHP) system connected to various types of solar panels to enhance overall energy efficiency. While previous studies have examined integrating solar panels with heat pumps, comprehensive solutions like those presented here and performance evaluations in the zero energy building context have been lacking. This study developed various scenarios using three types of solar panels, photovoltaic (PV), photovoltaic-thermal (PVT), and solar thermal collectors (ST), to explore their simultaneous use. TRNSYS software was employed to analyze the complex system, comparing it to a conventional natural gas boiler system as a baseline. The findings revealed that the on-site energy use intensity (EUI) decreased from 78.6 kWh/m2 to 53.3 kWh/m2, a reduction of approximately 33 %, due to the SAGSHP's implementation. The combination of PVT and PV panels emerged as the most suitable option for the SAGSHP, aligning with the net zero energy concept. The SAGSHP system achieved a low EUI of 10.4 kWh/m2 in terms of primary energy. Additionally, the solar fraction, indicating the proportion of solar energy used, reached approximately 90 %. Thus, this study underscores the significance of evaluating various solar panel configurations during the preliminary design phase of SAGSHP systems to optimize energy performance and progress toward zero energy buildings.

Techno-economic analysis of a novel solar-based polygeneration system integrated with vanadium redox flow battery and thermal energy storage considering robust source-load response

In this study, a novel solar-based polygeneration system incorporated with a partially covered parabolic trough photovoltaic thermal (PCPVPVT) collector, vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB), thermal energy storage, and absorption chiller/heat pump is proposed. A robust energy management strategy is developed to alter the operating states of the system to respond to the inevitable intermittent source inputs and varying demands throughout the year. Furthermore, a comprehensive comparison of the techno-economic performance differences between the novel system and the Power to Hydrogen to Power (P2H2P) combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system is carried out. In addition, the sensitivity analysis of the key technical and external economic parameters as well as a multi-objective optimization are investigated. The results illustrate that: the charging, discharging, and round-trip efficiencies of the VRFB unit reach 88.99%, 88.23%, and 78.52%, respectively, and the current of the VRFB has significant effects on the termination voltage, charge and discharge time, efficiencies, and stored and output energy of the VRFB. The PV coverage ratio of the PCPVPVT and the capacity of the VRFB unit considerably affect the system's thermodynamic and economic performance. The exergy efficiency of the proposed system is always greater than that of the P2H2P CCHP system because the efficiency of the VRFB with 78.52% is significantly higher than that of the P2H2P electricity storage with 41.73%, and the maximum difference reaches 4.25%. The levelized cost of energy of the present system is 0.0503 $/kWh, which is less than that of the P2H2P CCHP system by approximately 6.85%, indicating superior economic strengths.

Performance investigation on photovoltaic thermal collector by using zinc oxide nanofluids

Performance investigation on photovoltaic thermal collector by using zinc oxide nanofluids

Performance simulation and analysis of a solar-assisted multifunctional heat pump system for residential buildings

ABSTRACT As building electrification is recognised as an important opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the integration of solar energy and heat pump represents a promising solution towards net-zero carbon buildings. This paper presents a hybrid multifunctional solar-assisted heat pump (SAHP) system that can provide space heating, space cooling, domestic hot water, and onsite electricity generation. Photovoltaic-thermal collectors are used for electricity generation, heat collection, and radiative cooling. The system design and controls support fourteen operational modes involving different components. TRNSYS software is used to model and simulate the multifunctional SAHP system. With a 2-m3 storage tank and 30-m2 PVT collectors, the multifunctional SAHP system has a seasonal performance factor of 2.7 in Baltimore and 3.7 in Las Vegas. The onsite electricity generation can cover 53% of the building’s electricity needs in Baltimore and 83% in Las Vegas.

Numerical and experimental investigation of a single-body PVT using a variable air volume control algorithm

Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors that can achieve maximum efficiency from solar irradiation can be critical concepts for meeting energy demand in residential applications. Even though there is much research on increasing heat transfer, multifunctional designs that provide homogeneous results are limited. This study explores the production of electricity and hot air from a novel design of a PVT. A new perforated copper plate design has been proposed to achieve maximum efficiency by providing homogeneous cooling in the PVT. Firstly, numerical analysis of this design was performed using Ansys Fluent software, then tested experimentally. The highest and average electrical and thermal efficiency of PVT are obtained as 17.62 %, 15.63 %, and 76.75 %, 43.68 %. In experiments conducted under winter conditions, the maximum temperature value in the PVT was measured as 41.54 °C. Moreover, the payback period of the PVT system was calculated as 6.1 years. The proposed PVT collector can be used as a new model for integrating solar energy in buildings with almost zero energy. Considering the eco-design, this PVT design can contribute net positive carbon, ecological footprint, and green manufacturing.

Enhancing the performance of photovoltaic–thermal collector using CNT-infused MgO nanofluids and natural additive

Enhancing the performance of photovoltaic–thermal collector using CNT-infused MgO nanofluids and natural additive

Thermal and electrical performance evaluation of single and double pass photovoltaic-thermal solar collector with cross-flow baffles and varying transparency: A computational analysis

The present work deals with the development of a semi-transparent photovoltaic thermal (PV-T) solar collector (STPVT) through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics. The study was carried out in three stages; firstly, the CFD model was developed for STPVT and validated with experimental data. Secondly, three different configurations of semi-transparent PV-T collector were investigated, i.e., single pass with PV module on top (SPC), double pass with PV module on top followed by glass cover and absorber plate (DPT), and double pass with PV module in between the glass cover and absorber plate (DPS). The absorber plate was incorporated with cross-flow baffles for improved thermal performance due to increased surface area and turbulence. The study found a thermal efficiency of 76.94 % for DPS configuration and a total heat utilisation of 289.63 W at 50 % transparency level, i.e., 2–4 times higher than other configurations. Furthermore, the DPS model was investigated for thermal and electrical performance with different PV module transparency levels (52,42,27,13 %). The DPS with 18 solar cells having 13 % transparency exhibited peak power density (8 %) at 717 W/m2 and 101.89 °C panel temperature, achieving superior thermal efficiency (84 %) and total heat utilisation (315.09 W), surpassing configurations with higher transparency.

A Comparative study on novel active cooling and heat recovery techniques for photovoltaic-thermal collectors

In this study, four different cooling techniques with a variety type of coolant for a commercial photovoltaic-thermal collector have been simulated optically and thermally by using the discrete ordinate radiation model (DO) and compared in a hot climate. These methods include a cooling channel with lateral inlet and outlet (case II), a cooling channel with uniquely designed fins (case III), a channel with circular inlet and many elliptical outlets patterns (case IV), and a specific pattern of copper tubes containing water beneath the solar module (case V), in comparison with a standard PV module (case I). The cooling fluids utilized in this research consist of dry air, moist air with relative humidity of 20 %, 40 %, and 60 %, and water in an active cooling method. The results indicate that using fins and copper pipes reduces the temperature, respectively, by 12 °C and 23 °C, leading to 4.10 % and 7.92 % improvement in electrical efficiency, which corresponds to a power improvement of 4.12 % and 7.98 % in cases III and V. In comparison, in cases II and IV, temperature reductions were only 6.5 °C and 9 °C, respectively, leading to a smaller improvement in efficiency of 2.20 % and 4.10 % in both scenarios where no fins are present. Consequently, the shape of the inlet and outlet, along with the distribution of air inside the channel, influences the cooling performance of the solar module significantly. It is observed that in cases II, III, and IV, by increasing the relative humidity of the incoming air to 60 % with an inlet velocity of 1 m/s, the electrical efficiency improves approximately 4.21 %, 5.5 %, and 4.91 %, respectively, compared to Case I.

Recent advancements in solar collector-evaporator for direct expansion solar heat pump

The direct expansion solar heat pump (DX-SHP) is a competent and sustainable option for domestic heating and drying applications. The solar collector-evaporator is a vital component of DX-SHP, which operates on solar energy and low-temperature ambient energy. The heat collection capacity, coefficient of performance, and evaporation temperature are used to quantify its performance. In this context, a systematic literature review on recent advancements in the collector-evaporator of DX-SHP is presented. This paper highlights and discusses the various configurations of solar collector-evaporators, theoretical and experimental investigations, and the selection method of eco-friendly refrigerants. The impact of different performance factors, such as ambient conditions, structural parameters, and types of refrigerants, on solar collector-evaporators is also reviewed. The optimal range for solar radiation, wind speed, and temperature is found to be 350 W/m2-700 W/m2, 0.5 m/s -2.5m/s, and 5°C to 35°C. The DX-SHP system produces hot water from 15°C to 60°C, with an average COP of 1.5 to 4.5. The finned solar collector-evaporator with R290 refrigerant performs optimally in various climatic conditions. Integrating solar collector-evaporators with innovative technologies such as microchannel, heat pipe, thermoelectric generators, photovoltaic thermal collectors with compound parabolic and Fresnel lenses can improve the system's performance. In this review, researchers can find scope for performance enhancement of the collector-evaporator used in DX-SHP.

Modeling and performance analysis of a new integrated solid oxide fuel cell and photovoltaic‐thermal energy supply system by heat current method

AbstractEfficient and reliable utilization of renewable energy at the user's end is the key to achieving a low‐carbon life. This paper proposed a new distributed energy system around the comprehensive utilization of solar energy by integrating solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), energy storage equipment, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collector, and heat pump. By integrating the use of SOFC and PVT, we can further minimize reliance on fossil fuels, while employing the coupling of PVT and heat pump effectively mitigates the inherent challenges of solar energy's variability and intermittency, all while enhancing overall system efficiency. On this basis, we apply the heat current method to construct a cross‐scale heat current model of the components and the system by considering the energy transfer, conversion, and storage characteristics of the system. By employing this model, we simulate the system's operation throughout an entire typical day, assess the COP enhancement of the PVT‐coupled heat pump system, analyze the influence of diverse operating conditions on daily system performance, and evaluate the economy of the energy storage devices in the system.