Development of a hybrid solar photovoltaic and heat pump system for domestic heating and electricity generation

This research investigates a hybrid photovoltaic thermal heat pump system that uses an indirect expansion method. It combines multiple solar photovoltaic thermal panels that convert solar energy to heat and electricity with a water-to-water heat pump. This allows for the generation of heat and electricity on the domestic level from sunlight. The technical feasibility of the system is examined through experimental and mathematical analyses whilst the economic viability of the system is assessed through techno-economic analysis in the UK.<br/><br/>The research also studies the effect of short cycling phenomenon on the performance of a hybrid photovoltaic thermal heat pump system in partial load. The system's response to variations in solar irradiance, water tank volume and the water flow rate through the PVT are analysed. The system is modelled deploying quasi-steady state heat transfer and thermodynamic equations and validated by the experimental data. The analysis takes incremental time steps to solve for the fluid's temperature changes from the heat pump and the solar PVT panels. The model is used to conduct a parametric study of the system with changes in solar irradiance, size of the water tank and the water flow rate in the PVT pipes (laminar and turbulent) on the performance of the system are analysed. The techno-economic analysis of the hybrid system is studied, taking into account the effect of government policy on renewable energy such as the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) and Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).<br/><br/>The thesis concludes that the hybrid photovoltaic thermal heat pump system works and is both technically and economically viable in the UK. The research demonstrates that the system is cost competitive with gas and electrical systems both independently and under UK renewable energy policy.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

Doctor of Philosophy

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

Doctoral Thesis

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Queen's University Belfast

Year dc:date.issued

2021

Author dc:creator

• Obalanlege, Mustapha

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Douglas, Roy

• solar
• heat pump
• hybrid system
• efficiency
• photvoltaic themal

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/6039f366-2c6e-4f6d-aa4b-29c33468cc05

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:pure.qub.ac.uk/portal:studenttheses/6039f366-2c6e-4f6d-aa4b-29c33468cc05