The PHOTOTHERM Project: Full Scale Experimentation and Modelling of a Photovoltaic – Thermal (PV-T) Hybrid System for Domestic Hot Water Applications

Abstract Photovoltaic-Thermal (PV-T) hybrid collectors are a promising technology, representing an efficient exploitation of solar energy with which to fully optimize the surfaces of integration within the building envelope. In spite of sustained interest since the mid 70s, there are only few studies providing a statement on the actual utility of this technology for real usage scenarios. In 2012, the project PHOTOTHERM was initiated with the aim of evaluating the real potential of covered water based PV-T collector coupled to a Solar Domestic Hot Water System (SDHWS). In this paper, first results obtained in the frame of this project are presented. First the design and indoor performance of the selected PV-T prototypes are presented, and the full scale PV-T plus DHWS system installed at EDF R&D outdoor test facilities is described. The results of monitoring this test system are presented and discussed. Finally, an overview on the on-going work regarding PV-T collector and system simulation is presented as well as the next steps of the project.

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