Operation and grid interaction modeling of a house with a building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system coupled to an air-source heat pump

In this study, the energy flexibility potential of a residential building with an air-based building integrated photovoltaic thermal (BIPV/T) system coupled to an air-source heat pump was investigated. A residential archetype row house, typical of Montreal, was simulated in TRNSYS. The objective of the study was to investigate how rule-based controls and a water-based sensible thermal energy storage charged by a solar assisted air-to-water heat pump can be used to reduce and shift electrical energy demand during peak demand periods of the grid while taking advantage of on-site electricity and heat production from renewable energy sources. The flexibility potential of different design alternatives with varying heat pump, thermal storage capacities, and control strategies were quantified using load matching grid interaction indicators and different time-of-use pricing schemes. The energy consumption of the building was reduced by more than 40% during peak grid events. The overall coefficient of performance of the air-source heat pump was improved by 22% when coupled with the BIPV/T and by more than 50% during peak sun period. The cost of electricity consumption was decreased by 46% when a variable tariff price structure and net-metering was implemented.