Air-type photovoltaic thermal (PVT) system connected to heat recovery ventilators installed in typical classroom

• Published in: Energy and buildings 2023-11, Vol.298, p.113535, Article 113535
• Main Authors: Choi, Jae-Sol, Kim, Gi-Cheol, Oh, Min-Seok, Kim, Eui-Jong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Energy consumption; Heat recovery ventilator; Power production; PVT system
• ISSN: 0378-7788
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113535

[Display omitted] Air-type photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) systems do not experience leakage and are more practical than water-type systems. However, utilizing the collected heat is less straightforward owing to challenges in heat storage. This study proposes an air-type PVT system linked to a heat recovery ventilator targeted at school classrooms, where the required ventilation is high because of the high occupant density. Because buildings are mainly used during the daytime when solar radiation exists, it seems ideal as an application for air-type PVT systems without heat storage. The TRNSYS PVT model was calibrated using the performance test results of a PVT module developed for an actual school installation. Furthermore, a control plan for the air-conditioning and ventilation systems used in an actual school was proposed, and its effect was analyzed using simulations. The effect of increasing the temperature of the supply air was confirmed through an analysis using the proposed technology. A reduction in the ventilation load decreases the heating energy consumption of the electric heat pump by 15.43%. Furthermore, the PVT temperature reduction effect boosted the power production by 5.42% compared to the reference, and a total energy-saving effect of 18.72% was achieved.