Analysis of a Residential Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) System in Two Similar Climate Conditions

Abstract

Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels combine solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies and generate simultaneously both heat and electricity. This paper looks at the potential of integrating these systems into small domestic prosumer households for the climates of Bucharest, Romania, and Strasbourg, France. First, some brief background information on PVT systems and the concept of prosumers is introduced, highlighting their features as well as the solar energy market setting in Romania and France. Next, a PVT system is proposed for a given household consumer in Strasbourg and Bucharest with the variable weather conditions corresponding to the two locations. The PVT system and the coupled consumer are modelled in TRNSYS (v17, Thermal Energy System Specialists, Madison, USA). A performance analysis is carried out in order to establish the daily instantaneous energy output and the annual energy production. The results indicate a 10–12% better performance in Bucharest compared to Strasbourg due to slightly better weather conditions. The system efficiency was assessed through various methods (first law efficiency and primary energy saving). Depending on the method used, the location and time of year, the results vary from 15% for the first law efficiency to 90% for the primary energy saving efficiency. The most suitable efficiency assessment method for this study was found to be the primary energy saving method, as it takes into account the regional differences in energy production. This study concludes that the Romanian PVT market has a good potential for adopting the technology, especially since it is currently less mature than in France.

CO2 Intensities and Primary Energy Factors in the Future European Electricity System

“…This is relevant in the context of European Member States, which are obliged to meet 2030 energy efficiency targets-expressed in terms of national primary energy use. Moreover, it is also relevant in future academic research, given the fact that the "alternative" PEF calculation methodology (with respect to hydro, wind and solar) is typically left unconsidered in previous studies (e.g., [20,38,45,52])-even though this methodological choice could have a significant impact on the results of primary energy calculations.…”

“…In terms of temporal resolutions, many recent studies still use yearly conversion factors [8,[20][21][22][23], even though it has been widely recognized elsewhere that it is often better to use monthly or even hourly conversion factors [24][25][26][27][28][29]. By using higher resolutions, temporal changes in the electricity mix are better taken into account.…”

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

“…The software package TRNSYS is often used for analysing the PVT systems in residential settings since the readily available components can be used to design a model that can generate results consistent with the experimental data as shown in [70]. Barbu et al [71] looked at the potential of a simple PVT system using TRNSYS for a small residential setup at two different locations with similar climates in France and Romania, respectively. The proposed system was able to meet the household demands of 58% in Romania and 48% in France with the help of a battery.…”

Residential Sector Energy Demand Estimation for a Single-family Dwelling: Dynamic Simulation and Energy Analysis

“…In order to estimate the DHW demand, a realistic daily time dependent simulation was performed using the DHWcalc software [32] developed for the IEA-SHC Task 26, which can generate realistic DHW profiles for European countries in several time steps. This software has been successfully used and validated in previous literature [33].…”