Synergizing building-integrated photovoltaic with ground-air and water-air heat exchangers for solar-powered gym cooling

Abstract

This study develops and optimizes a hybrid cooling system that synergizes building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) with earth-air (EAHE) and water-air (WAHE) heat exchangers for solar-powered gym cooling. Two configurations are evaluated: a series arrangement (Configuration A) and a parallel one (Configuration B). A multi-objective optimization using a genetic algorithm was performed to maximize total energy output while minimizing power consumption by optimizing seven design parameters. The results demonstrate a clear performance trade-off: Configuration A achieved superior cooling with a lower outlet air temperature of 14.0 °C, while Configuration B delivered a significantly higher total energy output of 41 kWh in August, a 64% increase over Configuration A’s 25 kWh. The optimization yielded a definitive optimal design point with the following key parameters: an air mass flow rate of 1.18 kg/s, a water mass flow rate of 0.68 kg/s, an EAHE diameter of 0.49 m and length of 23.79 m, and a WAHE diameter of 0.027 m and length of 23 m. Crucially, the BIPV system generated sufficient electricity to power all auxiliary components. This work confirms the viability of a fully renewable, dual-source cooling architecture, with Configuration B recommended for maximizing energy output and Configuration A for prioritizing maximum cooling.