Glazed Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) Collectors for Domestic Hot Water Preparation in Multifamily Building

Abstract

Photovoltaic–thermal collector generates electrical and thermal energy simultaneously from the same area. In this paper performance analysis of a potentially very promising application of a glazed photovoltaic–thermal collector for domestic hot water preparation in multifamily building is presented. Solar system in multifamily building can be installed on the roof or integrated in the façade of the building. The aim of this simulation study is to show difference of thermal and electrical performance between façade and roof installation of a glazed photovoltaic-thermal collectors at three European locations. Subsequently, this study shows benefit of photovoltaic-thermal collector installation in comparison with side-by-side installation of conventional system. For the purpose of simulation study, mathematical model of glazed photovoltaic-thermal collector has been experimentally validated and implemented into TRNSYS. A solar domestic hot water system with photovoltaic–thermal collectors generates more electrical and thermal energy in comparison with a conventional system across the whole of Europe for a particular installation in a multifamily building. The specific thermal yield of the photovoltaic–thermal system ranges between 352 and 582 kWh/m2. The photovoltaic–thermal system electric yield ranges between 63 and 149 kWh/m2. The increase in electricity production by the photovoltaic–thermal system varies from 19% to 32% in comparison with a conventional side-by-side system. The increase in thermal yield differs between the façade and roof alternatives. Photovoltaic-thermal system installation on the roof has higher thermal yield than conventional system and the increase of thermal yield ranges from 37% to 53%. The increase in thermal yield of façade photovoltaic-thermal system is significantly higher in comparison with a conventional system and ranges from 71% to 81%.

Design and Energy Requirements of a Photovoltaic-Thermal Powered Water Desalination Plant for the Middle East

“…The electrical efficiency does drop when the PV temperature is high. Combined peak efficiency for the PVT array is therefore about 80%, which is close to reported values for this type of system [24,30,31].…”

“…The electrical efficiency does drop when the PV temperature is high. Combined peak efficiency for the PVT array is therefore about 80%, which is close to reported values for this type of system [24,30,31]. The thermal efficiency as defined by Equation (8) plotted in Figure 10, along with electrical efficiency as determined by Equation (11).…”

Simulation and Experimental Results for Energy Production Using Hybrid Photovoltaic Thermal Technology

“…Additionally, these systems are occasionally integrated with heat pumps and seasonal energy storage [21,22]. The findings in research paper [23] indicate that the PV/T collector can attain higher energy production and efficiency compared to conventional systems, particularly when integrated into building facades.…”

A Review of Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) Technology for Residential Applications: Performance Indicators, Progress, and Opportunities

“…The proposed 1.25 kW p system contributed to 14.95% and 27.48% of electrical and thermal energy generation, respectively, as shown in Figure 14. Pokorny et al [94] conducted an experimental and analytical investigation of a new concept of glazed PVT collector (encapsulation was done using polysiloxane gel) for a multifamily building with 45 flats and 100 occupants in three locations. Two different configurations were tested involving rooftop installation and façade integration, and the simulation study results are shown in Figure 15.…”

“…Figure15. Thermal and electric yield for all the alternatives in three locations (reprinted from[94], with permission from publisher).…”