Thermal modelling and optimisation of building-integrated photo-voltaic thermal systems.

Type of content
Theses / Dissertations
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Electrical Engineering
Degree name
Master of Engineering
Publisher
University of Canterbury. Electrical & Computer Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2015
Authors
McDowell, Alastair Kieran Joel
Abstract

This Masters project has involved detailed thermal analysis of a unique renewable energies building. A TRNSYS model of this building has been developed and validated by real measurements and has shown to be capable of accurately predicting room temperatures and total heat gain from a solar-thermal roofing system. Supporting experiments were conducted experimentally and numerically. An experimental solar thermal testing unit constructed for the purpose of validating the solar-thermal roof concept. This experimental apparatus has been used to evaluate the effect of various operating procedures on the total heat gain from the system under a range of meteorological conditions. The validated thermal building model is used to conduct long-term simulations to provide a measure of year-round thermal performance of the building and estimated gains from renewable energy systems. Similar techniques are used to assist in the design and optimisation of a new transportable sustainable building concept in association with StoneWood Homes. It was found that a 4.5kW BIVP/T system could supply the small building with 100% of the yearly electrical energy and space heating requirements.

Description
Citation
Keywords
thermal, photo-voltaic, solar, energy, engineering, trnsys, simulation, modelling, mathematical, BIPVT, PVT, experimental, optimisation, house, building, home, validation, system
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Rights
Copyright Alastair Kieran Joel McDowell