Description of Work:

Solar energy is one of the most abundant renewable energy sources and effective solar technologies have a great potential to alleviate the grand challenges of satisfying rising energy demands, while reducing the associated emissions. Of particular interest in this context is the solar combined cooling, heating and power systems based on advanced hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) collectors, which offers an attractive option that is more reliable and less costly for building applications.

This study will present a comprehensive analysis of the energetic, economic and environmental potentials of hybrid PVT-based solar energy systems for combined heating, cooling and power provision in building applications. In addition, four types of solar-based combined heat and/or power systems have been compared comprehensively to the PVT solar system, namely: (i) a PVT combined heating and power system, (ii) a PV power system, (iii) a solar-thermal heating system, and (iv) a solar-thermal based heating and cooling system. This thesis is expected to provide valuable guidance to determine the optimal design of solar systems for each scenario, for further development of solar energy systems for their practical applications.

The objectives of the thesis are:

•    Transient operation of solar combined heating, cooling and power system
•    Monthly and annual results of demands, coverages and excesses of the electricity, cooling and thermal energy
•    Annual economic and environmental performance

Required resources/skills:

•    Interest in thermodynamic analysis and modelling of solar systems are desirable for this project. Basic models will be provided, and the student will need to understand and develop them further, performing specific case studies.
•    The models will be developed in MATLAB environment hence the student should have some experience with that particular language.

Contract's duration: 6 - 8 Months            Entry date:  on appointment

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