Photovoltaic/thermal system performance index based on the second law
Abstract
The second law of thermodynamics is used to optimize the performance of residential hybrid photovoltaic/thermal energy system and the associated control system methodology. The system functioned with photovoltaics embedded in flat plate collectors for roof mounting. The thermal energy was captured by a heat pump. The PV/T system component irreversibilities were calculated and a minimum system performance index model was defined, based on the irreversibilities. The model was applied, with meteorological data, to simulate the system performance at three widely space U.S. locations. The control strategy was heavily latitude dependent. Finally, the second law model identified the irreversibilities of the collector and the room enclosures as the areas where improvements would yield the highest efficiency gains.
- Publication:
-
American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Pub Date:
- December 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984asme.meetS....B
- Keywords:
-
- Cogeneration;
- Heating Equipment;
- Photovoltaic Cells;
- Solar Collectors;
- Solar Thermal Electric Power Plants;
- Thermodynamic Properties;
- Energy Conversion Efficiency;
- Irreversible Processes;
- Optimization;
- Solar Heating;
- Systems Simulation;
- Energy Production and Conversion