Photovoltaic-thermal system performance analysis for a smart energy building in different climate conditions

Photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) panels combine solar thermal and photovoltaic technologies and generate simultaneously both heat and electricity. They can be a good variant for small domestic households to reduce their energy costs. This paper looks at the potential of these systems into the climates of Vladivostok, Russia, and Tehran, Iran. In the article, some brief background information on PVT systems and the concept of prosumers is introduced. Next, a similar PVT system is proposed for a given household consumer in Vladivostok and Tehran with the variable weather conditions corresponding to the two locations. The PVT system is modeled in TRNSYS (v18, Thermal Energy System Specialists, Madison, USA). A performance analysis is carried out in order to establish the daily instantaneous energy output and the annual energy production. The results indicate a 15-20 % better performance in Tehran compared to Vladivostok due to slightly better weather conditions, though the total efficiency of system has a better performance in Vladivostok. The system efficiency was assessed through two different methods. This study concludes that both the Russian and Iranian PVT market has a good potential for adopting the technology, especially since it is currently less mature than other leader countries in renewable energies.