Advances in Solar Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Systems for Combined Energy Production and Efficient Thermal Management

Dear Colleague,

The transformation of solar energy into usable forms is an essential field for reducing carbon emissions and increasing the market share of energy generated from renewable sources. Specifically, solar photovoltaic/thermal systems can provide sustainable electrical energy and thermal energy simultaneously, potentially covering most building energy consumption.

Advanced PV/T systems typically include innovative solar panel designs that incorporate both PV cells for electricity and heat-absorbing materials for thermal energy collection. Additionally, advanced thermal management techniques are employed to regulate and utilize the heat generated by the system for various applications such as space heating, water heating, power generation or industrial processes. This Special Issue aims to present the advances in PV/T systems and thermal energy management in terms of theoretical, experimental and economic studies and to provide a deeper understanding of contemporary trends.

The Special Issue welcomes papers related to solar PV/T collectors including flat plate and concentrated solar collectors, solar cooling, heating and power generation systems with ORC, thermal energy storage systems and demand-based system analysis.

Dr. Cagri Kutlu
Dr. Jing Li
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• solar thermal collectors
• PV/T
• solar-assisted ORC
• compact thermal energy storage

Title: PV/T Assisted Heat Pump with Hybrid Latent Heat Storage for Improved Energy Utilization and Thermal Management
Authors: Cagri Kutlu1; Mehmet Tahir Erdinc1,2; Yanan Zhang1; Tianhong Zheng1; Emmanuel Tapia-Brito1; Yuehong Su1; Saffa Riffat1
Affiliation: 1Department of Architecture and Built Environment, University of Nottingham, University Park, UK 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tarsus University, 33400 Tarsus/Mersin, Turkey
Abstract: Supercooled phase change materials (PCMs) are promising for space heating applications due to their latent heat release upon crystallization initiation, even at ambient temperatures. This characteristic allows for enhanced solar energy utilization and significant carbon emission reductions in short-term to medium-term thermal storage applications. However, the phase change temperature of commonly used PCM, sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT), ranges between 56-58°C, which often requires booster heating in colder seasons. This study proposes an approach by integrating an additional latent heat storage unit alongside SAT, utilizing PV/T collectors for dual purposes: thermal heat collection to support a solar-assisted heat pump and electricity generation for heating resistances. Electric heaters, powered by PV-generated electricity, charge the secondary latent heat storage filled with erythritol, which has a higher melting point of 121°C, acting as a system booster heater. While SAT storage provides heat over a weekly basis, erythritol enables daily heating potential, reducing storage size and offering heating during peak hours. A comprehensive model including PV/T collectors, a buffer tank, primary heat storage with SAT tubes, a secondary storage unit, and a building heating demand model was developed. The model employs real weather data to calculate heating demand, collector performance, and overall system efficiency.

Title: Parameter Identification of Photovoltaic Single Diode Model Using Hybrid Mountaineering Team Algorithm and Fully In-formed Search
Authors: Badis Lekouaghet 1, *, Fathi Brioua 2, Badreddine Babes 1 and Noureddine Hamouda 1
Affiliation: 1 Research Center in Industrial Technologies (CRTI), P.O. Box 64, Cheraga 16014 Algiers 2 Department of Electrical Engineering, Ahmed Draia University, Adrar, Algeria
Abstract: Enhancing the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems is a crucial step in advancing the smart grid towards sustainable energy generation. This investigation highlights the vital role of pre-cise parameter extraction and optimization in achieving optimal performance for PV systems within modern energy networks. Modeling PV modules, renowned for their nonlinear cur-rent-voltage characteristics and limited cell datasheet information, presents inherent challenges. Recent research focuses on optimizing parameter extraction from the single diode model (SDM) by employing innovative algorithms. This study specifically targets the extraction of SDM pa-rameters in PV modules using an innovative hybrid metaheuristic algorithm known as FIS-MTBO, which is our major contribution. This novel approach integrates the Fully Informed Search (FIS) algorithm with the Mountaineering Team Based Optimization (MTBO). Rigorous examination through two simulation case studies showcases the algorithm's efficacy, surpassing eleven established algorithms in terms of consistency and precision. These findings emphasize the promise of the FIS-MTBO algorithm in enhancing PV system optimization and advancing sustainable energy initiatives.