Integration of Solar PV, Thermal Storage and Thermoelectric Heat Pump for Domestic Buildings

Abstract

The global transition towards sustainable energy consumption has heightened the demand for innovative solutions in the residential sector, which continues to be a significant contributor to carbon emissions. This thesis examines the integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, thermal energy storage (TES), and thermoelectric heat pumps (TeHP) as a holistic approach to reducing energy consumption and improving sustainability in domestic buildings.

By combining experimental analysis with numerical simulations, the study assesses the performance of a thermoelectric heat pump working in tandem with a solar PV system and thermal storage. DesignBuilder (DB) is employed to model the building’s energy demand, yielding the necessary heating and electricity profiles for simulation. Following this, TRNSYS and MATLAB are used to simulate the integration of TeHP and PV within the building, focusing on their performance under various operational scenarios typical of a UK house. The results indicate that this integrated system can lead to substantial reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions, offering a practical solution for enhancing residential energy efficiency.

Moreover, the integration of TeHP with TES improves system flexibility, particularly in addressing the gap between solar energy availability and seasonal heating needs. This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of renewable energy applications in buildings, presenting an innovative solution that aligns with the UK’s carbon reduction objectives and the global movement towards nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs).

The research highlights the potential of PV-TeHP systems, complemented by DB-modelled demand data, to transform residential energy consumption and provides valuable insights into their practical implementation in real-world settings.