Empirical Validation of Low-Temperature PVT Collector for Heat Pump Integration
Abstract
The combination of solar photovoltaic-hybrid (PVT) and ground source heat pumps (GSHP) seems like a promising pathway towards the decarbonization of heating, cooling and electricity production in buildings. However, the concept of combining both technologies is still at a very early stage in commercialization. As part of an ongoing 4-year research project, numerical modelling techniques have been applied to develop a digitally optimized PVT collector prototype specifically designed for heat pump integration. The goal of this study is to validate such models with an existing PVT collector against empirical data with experiments carried out at an outdoor laboratory. Thermal output and PV temperature distribution are measured for a range of inlet fluid temperatures at a constant flow rate, with varying ambient temperature, solar irradiance and wind speed. The results of simulations and experiments are presented, with a focus on thermal output, temperature distribution, electricity generation and condensation effects. The validated model will be used as a reference for future system modeling in TRNSYS.