An Energy and Exergy Analysis of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal Systems

In this article, an attempt has been made to analyze a building integrated photovoltaic thermal system fitted as the rooftop of an experimental laboratory to predict temperatures of solar cell, duct air, and room air. It also analyzes the energy, exergy, and electrical energy under different weather conditions. It is found that for a mass flow rate of 0.2 kg/s, the building integrated photovoltaic thermal system in a moderate climate produces 629 and 1,571 kWh higher electrical energy and exergy, respectively, per annum in comparison to a conventional building integrated photovoltaic system making it suitable for industrial process heating. Similarly, the building integrated photovoltaic thermal system is found to be more suitable for space heating in a cold climate producing 633 and 1,560 kWh higher electrical energy and exergy per annum compared to a similar building integrated photovoltaic system. The electrical efficiency lies between 12.5 and 16%, whereas the overall thermal efficiency ranges from 50 to 54%.