A system analysis of hybrid solar PTC-CPV absorber operation

A system analysis of energy production was performed comparing the system of photovoltaic panels and parabolic trough collectors with a hybrid absorber. The paper presents new design of hPTC-CPV absorber. The analysis includes a comparison of the performance of both technologies in different irradiance conditions over the year. The technologies were compared for the same active surface hPTC-CPV and PV. The analysis was performed for a single-family house based on its demand for heat, electricity, and cooling. The calculations are intended to show to what extent an analyzed renewable technology can cover the demand for particular types of energy. The analysis was carried out to assess the legitimacy of using hybrid radiation absorbers in a temperate climate. Hybrid absorber studies were performed using CFD software. The results show that the proposed technology can compete with a PV system in terms of cooling and heat generation. Hybrid absorber covers 74.7% of heat demand for absorption cooling. PV panels with a heat pump cover 44.3% of the heat demand, PV panels with electric heaters 24.3% and hPTC-CPV absorbers 23.3%. The proposed technology cannot compete with PVs in terms of electricity production. Hybrid absorbers cover 8.2% when PVs 71.9% of electricity demand. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study conducted a system analysis comparing photovoltaic panels and parabolic trough collectors with a hybrid absorber, revealing that the proposed technology can compete with PV systems in terms of cooling and heat generation.