Year
2019
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering
Abstract
Integrating air-based photovoltaic thermal collector (PVT) systems into the design and operation of buildings has been considered as a promising solution to reducing energy consumption. A great deal of research has been conducted over the past decades to investigate the technical feasibility of using PVT systems for space heating. However, the application of air-based PVT systems for space cooling, particularly to regenerate the desiccants in rotary desiccant cooling systems, is an area to be investigated. The main operational challenge of using PVT systems in desiccant cooling processes is their limited capability to provide thermal energy with a relatively high temperature for the desiccant regeneration and their high initial cost. There are also knowledge gaps on the modelling, design optimisation and economic analysis of the PVT systems. This thesis aims to develop, evaluate and optimise high-temperature PVT systems and quantify their economic feasibility and to develop a methodology for evaluating the technical feasibility of using the PVT systems to regenerate the desiccants in rotary desiccant cooling systems.
Recommended Citation
Fan, Wenke, Development, modelling and optimisation of high-temperature photovoltaic thermal systems, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, University of Wollongong, 2019. https://ro.uow.edu.au/theses1/598
Unless otherwise indicated, the views expressed in this thesis are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of the University of Wollongong.