Integrating photovoltaic thermal collectors and thermal energy storage systems using phase change materials with rotary desiccant cooling systems

This paper presents a feasibility investigation of integrating a hybrid photovoltaic thermal collector-solar air heater (PVT-SAH) and an air-based thermal energy storage (TES) system using phase change materials (PCMs) with rotary desiccant cooling systems for residential applications. The PVT-SAH is used to generate both electricity and thermal energy, while the TES unit is used to solve the mismatch between energy demand for desiccant wheel regeneration and thermal energy generation from the PVT-SAH. A near-optimal design of the proposed system is first identified using the response surface method. The feasibility is then examined using three performance indicators, including Solar Thermal Contribution (STC), Supply Air Temperature Unsatisfied (SATU) factor and Supply Air Humidity Ratio Unsatisfied (SAHRU) factor. The results showed that the STC increased from 82.6% to 100.0% when the regeneration temperature decreased from 70 degrees C to 60 degrees C under the simulation days. For the regeneration temperature considered (i.e. 60 degrees C, 65 degrees C and 70 degrees C), the supply air temperature can always be satisfied while the SAHRU factor decreased from 24.2% to 6.0% when the regeneration temperature increased from 60 degrees C to 70 degrees C. The overall results illustrated that the PVT-SAH and PCM TES unit can be potentially used to regenerate desiccant wheels if the system is appropriately designed.