Design and modeling of a concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system for a domestic application

In this paper a theoretical model of a concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system is presented in order to size it and to evaluate its thermal and electrical performance when it is used to satisfy the electric, heating and cooling loads referring to a domestic application. First of all choice and sizing of the CPV/T system components are considered. The reflective optics with parabolic mirror concentrators of point-focus type and the triple-junction cells (InGaP/InGas/Ge) assembled with a dual axis tracker are used to obtain a high concentration system. An active cooling system of the photovoltaic cells is considered. In order to satisfy the cooling load, the CPV/T system allows to recover thermal energy at high temperature for the absorption heat pump working. The model analyzes the CPV/T system working for different time levels (yearly, monthly, daily, hourly) in terms of direct normal irradiance, cell efficiency, module electric and thermal efficiency, thermal and electric energy provided by cell and module, cell and cooling fluid temperatures. The simulation process has allowed to define the best configuration of the CPV/T system under different working conditions and to evaluate the energy and economic convenience of the CPV/T system in comparison with a traditional system.

► Design of a concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system for a domestic application. ► Choice and sizing of the components of a concentrating photovoltaic thermal (CPV/T) system are considered. ► A model of the CPV/T system used for a domestic application is presented. ► A thermoeconomic analysis of the CPV/T system, compared to a traditional solution, is realized.