Simulation of the performance of a BIPV/T system coupled to a heat pump in a residential heating application.

Summary

Building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) systems consist of photovoltaic arrays incorporated seamlessly as a functional part of the building envelope; while generating electricity, they also make use of a circulating fluid (often air) for recovery of useful heat from the incident solar radiation. This has the additional benefit of cooling the photovoltaic panels, consequently improving their efficiency. For open loop BIPV/T air systems, although the air is considerably heated, its temperature often remains too low for direct use in building space heating applications. However, it is usually adequate to serve as the source of a heat pump. This paper presents the results of a simulation used as a decision-making tool in the system configuration design and the selection of the heat pump model to be coupled to the BIPV/T roof of a net-zero energy house. The simulation took into account the performance of several key elements of the house (BIPV/T, air-to-water heat exchanger, heat pump, storage tank) and manufacturer's data. Recommendations of desirable features in a heat pump operating with a BIPV/T system are presented.

Details

  • Original title: Simulation of the performance of a BIPV/T system coupled to a heat pump in a residential heating application.
  • Record ID : 2009-0864
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: General information
  • Source: 9th IEA Heat Pump Conference 2008: advances and prospects in technology, applications and markets. Conference proceedings [CD-ROM + abstracts].
  • Publication date: 2008/05/20

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