Air-based BIPV/T for Low-arctic Applications
Abstract
The Arctic communities of Canada are almost completely dependent on fossil fuels for their energy needs. This dependence can lead to negative environmental consequences, such as fuel spills and harmful emissions as well as vulnerabilities during emergency situations. Alternative energy options are required in order to have a sustainable future for this region. One such promising system is the building integrated photovoltaic/thermal collector (BIPV/T), where not only electricity is generated but valuable heat is recovered and can be used for all seasons of the year in the Arctic. In this study a simulation model of the BIPV/T was created using design weather data for Iqaluit, Canada as the input to test the electricity generation and heat recovery for different configurations to maximize the energy performance for the area. It was seen that the best performing month was April, with outlet temperature increases of approximately 18°C, and daily heat recovery and electricity generation over 6.2 kWh and 8.7kWh respectively. Based on these initial simulations an experimental prototype has been designed and fabricated to test thermal enhancements in a solar simulator laboratory. Upon experimental testing, improvements are to be recommend for a field prototype to be deployed in a low-Arctic community of Canada.