Development and optimization of an innovative HVAC system with integrated PVT and PCM thermal storage for a net-zero energy retrofitted house

Abstract

. (2015). Development and optimization of an innovative HVAC system with integrated PVT and PCM thermal storage for a net-zero energy retrofitted house. Energy and Buildings, Development and optimization of an innovative HVAC system with integrated PVT and PCM thermal storage for a net-zero energy retrofitted house AbstractThis paper describes a novel solar-assisted HVAC system developed for the Team UOW 'Illawarra Flame' Solar Decathlon house, the winner of the Solar Decathlon China 2013 competition. This HVAC system consists of an air-based photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector and a phase change material (PCM) thermal storage unit integrated with a reverse cycle heat pump, in a ducted system. The system was designed for operation during both winter and summer using daytime solar radiation and night-time sky radiative cooling, respectively. The PVT collector heats or cools fresh air from ambient and thereby provides heating or cooling either directly to the indoor space, or to the PCM storage unit. The heat stored in the PCM can be used later to condition the space or precondition the air entering the air handling unit. Analytical models for the PVT collector and PCM unit were developed in order to be easily implemented into a practical building management system (BMS). Experimental studies on the PVT collector and PCM unit were carried out and the data was used to validate the effectiveness of the models. It is shown that there is a good agreement between the model simulation results and experimental test data. A simple optimisation methodology of the operating modes that involve these components is also presented. collector and a Phase Change Material (PCM) thermal storage unit integrated with a reverse cycle heat pump, in a ducted system. The system was designed for operation during both winter and summer using daytime solar radiation and night-time sky radiative cooling, respectively. The PVT collector heats or cools fresh air from ambient and thereby provides heating or cooling either directly to the indoor space, or to the PCM storage unit. The heat stored in the PCM can be used later to condition the space or precondition the air entering the Air Handling Unit. Analytical models for the PVT collector and PCM unit were developed in order to be easily implemented into a practical Building Management System (BMS).Experimental studies on the PVT collector and PCM unit were carried out and the data was used to validate the effectiveness of the models. It is shown that there is a good agreement between the model simulation results and experimental test data. A simple optimisation methodology of the operating modes that involve these components is also presented.

Daytime space cooling with phase change material ceiling panels discharged using rooftop photovoltaic/thermal panels and night-time ventilation

“…The use of photovoltaic/thermal panels (PV/T) panels for nighttime radiative cooling together with PCM for space cooling has been reported by (Eicker & Dalibard 2011;Lin et al 2014;Fiorentini et al 2015) and in the first of these the PCM was part of the radiant cooling system. The purpose of the present experiment was to demonstrate that the coupling of PV/T panels with a radiant ceiling cooling system containing PCM can contribute to the realization of nZEB.…”

Demonstration of the Performance of an Air-Type Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) System Coupled with a Heat-Recovery Ventilator

“…During the non-heating period, a fan was used to release the heat outside of the system so as to prevent overheating and maintain good electrical efficiency. Another study designed a theoretical model of an air-type PVT collector and PCM and predicted the heat transfer rate and heat loss of the relevant systems [20]. Lin et al [21] employed the TRNSYS program to analyze existing PCM and PVT-integrated PCMs, with a focus on indoor thermal comfort.…”

Experimental study on performance of a solar-air source heat pump system in severe external conditions and switchover of different functions

“…As a result, the system initial cost was increased. In addition, Fiorentini et al [17] proposed a SHP which consisted of an air-based photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collector, a PCM unit, and a reverse cycle heat pump. In this system, solar energy was utilized for heating.…”