Optimization Design Method and Experimental Validation of a Solar PVT Cogeneration System Based on Building Energy Demand

Abstract

Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) technology refers to the integration of a photovoltaic (PV) and a conventional solar thermal collector, representing the deep exploitation and utilization of solar energy. In this paper, we evaluate the performance of a solar PVT cogeneration system based on specific building energy demand using theoretical modeling and experimental study. Through calculation and simulation, the dynamic heating load and electricity load is obtained as the basis of the system design. An analytical expression for the connection of PVT collector array is derived by using basic energy balance equations and thermal models. Based on analytical results, an optimized design method was carried out for the system. In addition, the fuzzy control method of frequency conversion circulating water pumps and pipeline switching by electromagnetic valves is introduced in this paper to maintain the system at an optimal working point. Meanwhile, an experimental setup is established, which includes 36 PVT collectors with every 6 PVT collectors connected in series. The thermal energy generation, thermal efficiency, power generation and photovoltaic efficiency have been given in this paper. The results demonstrate that the demonstration solar PVT cogeneration system can meet the building energy demand in the daytime in the heating season.

Economic Solution of the Tri-Generation System Using Photovoltaic-Thermal and Ground Source Heat Pump for Zero Energy Building (ZEB) Realization

“…In the cooling mode, the outlet temperatures of the heat source side and load side can then be expressed using Equations (10) and (11).…”

“…Guarracino et al [9] have developed a three-dimensional numerical model of a hybrid PVT collector with the aim of calculating the temperature distribution over the PV panel. In addition, to estimate the annual thermal and electrical energy outputs generated by the collector in a UK domestic installation, Zhou et al [10] conducted a solar PVT cogeneration system that consists of novel PVT collectors that can generate thermal energy and electric energy simultaneously. Furthermore, it is suggested that the optimization design of solar PVT cogeneration system is based on the building energy demand.…”

Exergetic Analysis of Hybrid Photovoltaic - Thermal Solar Collectors Coupled to Organic Rankine Cycles

“…The thermal model that follows was based on Zhou et al's method and validation of an experimental work of a solar PV/T cogeneration system [10] and adjusted to performance data from the PV/T collector's manufacturer. The thermal efficiency of the hybrid PV/T collector can be expressed by the Hottel-Whillier equation, Eq.…”

“…The thermal efficiency of the hybrid PV/T collector can be expressed by the Hottel-Whillier equation, Eq. (23) [10,11], in which the thermal efficiency parameters of ( ) = 0.58 and = 6 were conservatively chosen based on experimental data on PV/T collectors by Ghoneim et al [8], nevertheless without considering the change in these parameters due to the collectors' mounting configuration (six collectors connected in series and two groups of six connected in parallel). Then, this equation was used to calculate the energy transferred in the form of heat from the collectors to the heat transfer fluid.…”

Reliability optimization design of electromagnetic proportional directional valve

“…This method is not suitable for nonlinear and complicated analysis of electromagnetic valves [2]. Mechanical optimization design method emphasizes only on parameters optimization without considering the geometry optimization [3][4][5][6]. On the other hand, the finite element method does not require complicated mathematical model but it needs accurate model of the geometry and boundary conditions.…”