Simulating and experimental research on a low-concentrating PV/T triple-generation system

Abstract A low-concentrating photovoltaic/thermal triple-generation system for heating, cooling and electricity is proposed in this study. The main components of the system are the low-concentrating PV/T module, high-temperature water source heat pump, lithium bromide absorption chiller and capillary net radiant ceiling. The annual system performance and the optimal capacity configuration of each component are stimulated by Transient System Simulation Program software. In addition, the outdoor experiments are carried out on the roof of a building in Changping, Beijing. In winter, the hot water produced by the low-concentrating PV/T module enters the heat pump evaporator for further heating, then through the pipes and enters the capillary net for building heating. In summer, the hot water enters an absorption lithium bromide chiller. The chilled water from the chiller enters the capillary net and lowers the room temperature. The experiments are conducted under different radiation conditions. The main parameters of the system are recorded. The results show that, under the low concentration condition, the system produces hot water of 45 °C–90 °C; meanwhile, the efficiency of PV cells stabilized approximately 10%. The lithium bromide absorption chiller operates stably, with the COP above 0.5. The low-concentrating PV/T triple-generation system provides a new idea for the comprehensive utilization of solar energy and energy cascade utilization.