Projects
Projects: Projects for Investigator |
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| Reference Number | EP/G030820/1 | |
| Title | A novel design and analysis of 3D Building Integrated Concentrating Enhanced Photovoltaic Thermal system: "BICEPT" | |
| Status | Completed | |
| Energy Categories | Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Photovoltaics) 75%; Renewable Energy Sources(Solar Energy, Solar heating and cooling (including daylighting)) 25%; |
|
| Research Types | Basic and strategic applied research 100% | |
| Science and Technology Fields | PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Physics) 50%; ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Mechanical, Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering) 50%; |
|
| UKERC Cross Cutting Characterisation | Not Cross-cutting 100% | |
| Principal Investigator |
Dr T (Tapas Kumar ) Mallick No email address given School of Engineering and Physical Sciences Heriot-Watt University |
|
| Award Type | Standard | |
| Funding Source | EPSRC | |
| Start Date | 01 September 2009 | |
| End Date | 31 August 2012 | |
| Duration | 36 months | |
| Total Grant Value | £178,444 | |
| Industrial Sectors | Energy | |
| Region | Scotland | |
| Programme | Energy : Engineering | |
| Investigators | Principal Investigator | Dr T (Tapas Kumar ) Mallick , School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University (100.000%) |
| Web Site | ||
| Objectives | ||
| Abstract | Given the threat posed by global warming, it is accepted widely that the potential photovoltaic renewable energy can be realised by (i) increasing their efficiencies, thus making them more viable; and at the same time to giving effective attention to minimising and (ii) using the heat generated in addition to electrical energy. Currently PV cells convert only typically 15 to 18% of the solar radiation into electricity, while the rest of the available energy is lost as heat or reflection.A key barrier to the widespread adoption of photovoltaics is achieving economic viability and reducing losses that occur due to increased temperature. One route towards enhanced efficiency is the use of a solar concentrator, as the area of the expensive photovoltaic cells can then be is reduced. Production of greater output per unit solar cell area can be achieved when solar radiation is concentrated on the photovoltaic via low cost reflecting/refracting materials. Many conceptual practical design, operation and control issues require further research to determine the most successful means by which solar concentration can be deployed for photovoltaics. One innovative approach has been to use the low concentration compound parabolic reflectors which enable the capture of a large part of the diffuse solar radiation in addition to the direct component. This is a particularly suitable approach in the climatic conditions in northern Europe, however, optical efficiency for 2D concentrators are limited to 85%, which can be inproved by developing 3D systems.A PV/T collector typically consists of a PV module at the rear of which an absorber plate (a heat extraction device) is attached. The purpose of the absorber is twofold. Firstly it cools the PV module and thus improves its electrical performance, and secondly it collects the thermal energy produced, which would otherwise been lost as heat to the environment. This collected heat could be used for low temperatureapplications such as domestic hot water production or space heating. In order to promote this type of solar system, it will be necessary to translate the basic concepts into efficient and functional technological components, and associated performance should be evaluated in a reliable manner. Electric energy production with photovoltaic/thermal solar hybrid system can be enhanced with the employment of concentrating devices. Concentrating PV operates at a relatively higher temperatures compared to the flat plate PV module, thus concentrating PV/T with overall efficiencies of 68% would be more appropriate for building integration enabling its efficiency improvement and domestic applications.This project will develop a non-tracking concentrating photovoltaic/thermal (CPV/T) system with optimised performance, which will be suitable for building faade/roof integration. As no tracking is required it is possible the cost of this system to reduce by two-fold, which makes more attractive for building integration. This will be undertaken through a new three dimensional design of a compound elliptical-hyperboloid concentrator of concentration ratios of 6.25 through a set of computation simulations together with controlled and outdoor tests. This design will enhance the optical efficiency of the concentrator unit and hence improve the overall electrical and thermal efficiency of the concentrating PV/T system. A prototype system will be made and indoor controlled characterisation will be undertaken at the HWU. Based on the process refinement one kWp system will be manufactured to characterise at outdoors test conditions. In addition, an integrated Optical, Heat transfer and Electrical (OHE) model will examine the PV/T system to optimise its performance | |
| Publications | (none) |
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| Final Report | (none) |
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| Added to Database | 16/02/09 | |
