Sensitivity Analysis on the Technical and Economic Performance of Thermal and PV Driven Solar Heating and Cooling Systems
Abstract
Solar heating and cooling is proposed to be an environmental sound alternative to conventional systems. Both, solar electrical and thermal driven systems can be a suitable solution and are currently under a controversial discussion. Therefore the comparison of technical and economic performance of Solar Heating and Cooling (SHC) systems becomes a mayor issue. The assessment in a common comparable format is complicated by the numerous, alternative energy sources and design possibilities. A generalized technical and economic assessment methodology was developed and tested in the course of IEA SHC Task 53. Ten case studies and best practice plants were analyzed and compared. All systems can achieve non-renewable primary energy savings greater than 40%, and some can show up a cost ratio lower than 1. Trend wise the PV and ST system are compared for southern and northern locations. Although the differences are rather small solar thermal seems to have advantages against PV driven systems. But in certain cases the situation is reversed and PV is advantageous. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis on boundary conditions is showing the technical and economic performance in the same range for solar thermal and PV. Finally the analysis points out that both technologies - solar thermal and PV driven systems - can become an economic solution.