Analysis and optimization of a roof based building integrated photovoltaic/thermal system

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Due to the combustion of natural gas in hot air furnaces and water boilers, the greenhouse gas emissions can be as much as 33% from buildings [1]. These emissions can be reduced by using renewable resources and high efficiency technology. A building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system can be used for electricity production and space heating. A BIPV/T system consists of an array of photovoltaic (PV) panels that are integrated into the building structure that recover thermal energy by circulating air or fluid behind the PV panels. This increases the efficiency of the PV panels by reducing their temperature and the heated fluid can be coupled to a variable air-source heat pump for space heating. Even in the harsh Canadian winters, this provides a highly efficient heating system. Strathcona Solar Initiatives, a manufacturer of PV panels in Napanee, Ontario, are interested in utilizing their products in BIPV/T system applications. They have limited experience and information about the performance of BIPV/T systems. Therefore, a BIPV/T system that is fully instrumented will be installed for data collection, which will be used for analysis and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling. Both data analysis and CFD will be used in developing optimized designs for BIPV/T systems, which will provide information to Strathcona for potential commercialization. Strathcona Solar Initiatives will be able to build an internal expertise on BIPV/T systems, which will aid the company in manufacturing and installation of these systems across Ontario, Canada and the United States of America. This collaboration benefits Canada by supporting emerging technologies in building and energy products. By providing a high-efficiency system utilizing renewable resources, there is a potential to reduce the environmental impact in Canada. Through commercialization, this research will contribute to economic growth and development in the energy sector.