Comparison of PV and PVT Energy Yield for Low-Temperature Process Heat: a Case Study
Abstract
Solar energy's integration for industrial decarbonization remains in its early stages. Limited cases of its use in brewing processes are found within medium to large breweries. Brewing, requiring low-temperature heat and cold, suits a solar-assisted polygeneration system well. Unlike larger breweries, microbreweries commonly lack steam boilers, often using gas burners or electric resistors for heat and small vapor-compression chillers for cold. A proposed solution involves a hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) system preheating brewing water and generating electricity, curbing CO2 emissions. Research assessed PV and PVT systems' energy output atop a Spanish microbrewery using real load profiles and simulations in TRNSYS. Results indicate the PVT system covering up to 17% to 30% of electric consumption and 20% to 35% of heat demand, for a Central Europe and a Mediterranean location. Notably, the PVT system outperforms PV by 8% to 31% in energy yield, accounting for electricity and useful heat. Despite its energy advantages, the current market conditions render the PVT system less cost-effective than PV systems due to high initial investment and maintenance costs. Recommendations for enhancing its cost-effectiveness are proposed to stimulate further research in this area.
Keywords
Ship, Pvt, Microbrewery, Solar industrial heat, Cogeneration