Heat retention of a photovoltaic/thermal collector with PCM

Abstract

A novel PV/T/PCM system that generates electricity, stores heat and pre-heats water was characterised under outdoor conditions in Dublin, Ireland. The system design combines a PV module with a thermal collector; in which heat is removed from a heat exchanger embedded in PCM through a thermosyphon flow. System performance was compared against (a) the same system without PCM, (b) the same system without heat exchanger or PCM, and (c) the PV module alone. It was shown that the temperature attained by the water was approximately 5.5 °C higher when compared to a PV/T system with no PCM. PCM are shown to be an effective means of storing heat for later heat removal in a PV/T system.

The authors would like to acknowledge the EU Structural Funds, ERDF, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Higher Education Authority through GREP funding, Science Foundation Ireland, Ireland through their Research Frontiers Program Code 07/RFP/ENEF719, the Research Support Unit at Dublin Institute of Technology, European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant agreement No. 657466 (INPATH-TES), COST Action TU0802 Next generation cost effective phase change materials for increased energy efficiency in renewable energy systems in buildings (NeCoEPCM) and COST Action TU1205 Building integration of solar thermal systems (BISTS). We would also like to thank Mr. Gordon O’Brien and Dr. Kevin Ryan of Trinity College Dublin and Mr. Kevin O’Farrell, Mr. Colm Gillen and Mr. Thomas Kiely of Dublin Institute of Technology for their advice and assistance for the duration of the project.