Monte Carlo Optimization of a Solar Combisystem Using Photovoltaic-Thermal Systems in Hot and Dry Climatic Condition

In this study, the performance of a solar combisystem using glazed thermal photovoltaic-thermal systems is investigated and optimized to provide the thermal and electrical demands of a five-story building in Hot/Dry climatic conditions (Tehran, Iran). Dynamic simulation of the system performance is carried out using TRNSYS software. Since there is no type for a glazed thermal photovoltaic-thermal system in TRNSYS, it is modeled in MATLAB software and then the modeling results are coupled with the TRNSYS model. The system optimization using a stochastic economic analysis based on the Monte Carlo method showed the solar combisystem with a photovoltaic-thermal system area of ۳۱.۹۳ m۲ and a thermal storage tank of ۴۰۰ l provides the building energy demands optimally. For the optimum system, the probability that the payback time is less than ۵ years, the internal rate of return is more than ۲۰% and the life cycle savings is more than the initial cost is ۷۴.۲%, ۱۱.۵%, and ۹۷%, respectively. The thermoelectric analysis of the optimum solar combisystem indicates that, in August, the maximum electrical, thermal, and total solar fractions of the system are obtained, which are ۱۱%, ۸۷%, and ۳۹%, respectively.

Keywords:

Solar combisystem , Photovoltaic-thermal system , Dynamic simulation , Monte Carlo optimization , TRNSYS