Evaluation and comparison of solar trigeneration systems based on photovoltaic thermal collectors for subtropical climates. (1st November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, Hongkai; Li, Zeyu; Xu, Yongrui
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 199(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-11-01
• Subjects: Photovoltaic thermal collector -- Solar cooling -- Absorption chiller -- Trigeneration -- Energy saving; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2019.111959
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: Solar trigeneration system based on PVT collector is proposed for subtropical city. By thermodynamic modeling, annual simulations of four system layouts are conducted. The tradeoff of PVT collector thermal efficiency and COP of chiller is analyzed. Appropriate sizes of absorption chillers are recommended for different layouts. Energy and economic performances of different layouts are compared. Abstract: Solar trigeneration systems based on photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors are promising for enhancement of solar energy utilization. Single-effect LiBr-H2 O absorption chillers are usually employed in these systems. Since the temperature of solar heat from PVT collectors is low, half-effect absorption chillers are potential alternatives for performance improvement. However, the coefficient of performance ( COP ) of half-effect absorption chillers is lower than that of single-effect machines. Therefore, the comparison of solar trigeneration systems with both types of chillers is necessary. Four different system layouts, obtained by coupling glazed and unglazed flat-plate PVT collectors with single- and half-effect absorption chillers, are modeled. Annual (8760-hour) simulations are performed to evaluate and compare the thermodynamic and economic performances of different layouts. The results show that the system layout based on glazed PVT collectors coupled with half-effect absorption chillers achieves the highest Solar COP of 0.072 and the highest solar utilization factor of 0.241. Its specific electricity saving is 158.5 kWh/(m 2 ·year), the highest among all the layouts. Additionally, the payback period of the layout based on unglazed PVT collectors coupled with half-effect absorption chillers is 12.7 years, the lowest among all the layouts. This paper is helpful for the development and design of solar trigeneration systems based on PVT collectors in subtropical climates.