Design and simulation for a solar house with building integrated photovoltaic-thermal system and thermal storage

Abstract

Building integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems (BIPV/T) that pre-heat ambient air may be used in combination with ventilated concrete slabs for thermal storage purposes. This is one of many feasible ways to maximize solar energy utilization. This paper describes the design and simulation of a solar house with an innovative BIPV/T system and ventilated concrete slab. This house is to be built by a Canadian prefabricated-home manufacturer for Canada's EQuilibrium Housing demonstration initiative. The BIPV/T system can harvest a considerable amount of useful heat; however, some of this energy typically needs to be stored for later use with an appropriate thermal storage design. A concrete thermal storage system is utilized for this purpose. Simulation results are presented from a transient finite difference model for the house, including the BIPV/T system and ventilated concrete slab.