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Performance Enhancement of a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal System Coupled with an Air Source Heat Pump

Author

Listed:
  • Edward Vuong

    (Construction Research Centre, National Research Council of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0R6, Canada)

  • Alan S. Fung

    (Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

  • Rakesh Kumar

    (Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Mechatronics Engineering, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria St, Toronto, ON M5B 2K3, Canada)

Abstract

This study explores the improvement of building integrated photovoltaic–thermal (BIPV/T) systems and their integration with air source heat pumps (ASHPs). The BIPV/T collector needs a method to effectively extract the heat it collects, while ASHP can boost their efficiency utilizing preheated air from the BIPV/T collectors. Combining these two systems presents a valuable opportunity to enhance their performance. This paper discusses technological improvements and integration through a comprehensive modelling analysis. Two versions of the BIPV/T systems were assessed using a modified version of EnergyPlus V8.0, a building energy simulation program. This study involved sensitivity analysis of the internal channel surface and cover emissivity parameters of the opaque BIPV/T (OBIPV/T), transparent BIPV/T (TBIPV/T), and building-integrated solar air heater collectors (BISAHs). Various arrangements of the collectors were also studied. A BIPV/T-BISAH array design was selected based on the analysis, and its integration with a net-zero energy house. The BIPV/T-BISAH coupled ASHP system decreased space heating electricity consumption by 6.5% for a net-zero house. These modest savings are mainly attributed to the passive design of the houses, which reduced heating loads during sunny hours/days.

Suggested Citation

  • Edward Vuong & Alan S. Fung & Rakesh Kumar, 2024. "Performance Enhancement of a Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal System Coupled with an Air Source Heat Pump," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-32, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2024:i:1:p:12-:d:1551351
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