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A Novel Environment/Solar-Interactive and Building-Integrate-able Power Generation System Enabling Harness of Solar and Environmental Energy

Lead Research Organisation: University of Hull
Department Name: Energy and Environment Institute

Abstract

The electrical demand of buildings accounts for around 50% of the EU's energy consumption. To fulfil the EU's climate change commitments and meet its energy saving goals, the power sector must sharply cut its use of fossil fuels. Existing building integratable power generation (BIPGs) units cannot harness solar and environment energy simultaneously. The proposed MSCA project will investigate a novel Environment/Solar-Interactive and Building-Integrate-able Power Generation (ESI-BIPG) unit that can harness both the solar and environmental energy simultaneously, and thus, provide a relatively stable and larger power output compared to the existing BIPGs. Novelties of the research lie in: (1) The first-of-its-kind season-dependent, heat-flow-adjustable heat pipe panel array (HP) enabling the heat flow from the PV to be altered seasonally, leading to the positive heat addition to the temperature-difference-driven heat flow and enhanced power output of the ESI-BIPG all year round; (2) A unique shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM) enabling the increased heat storage capacity, and stabilised phase transition temperature compared to traditional SSPCMs; (3) A novel coupled-energy-efficiency oriented collaborative and integrated method able to create an integrated solution for the coupled mathematical equations to achieve the maximum energy efficiency of the ESI-BIPG; and (4) A novel 'life-cycle-power-cost' oriented socio-economic assessment method able to provide a multi-factor-impacting solution for the ESI-BIPG. The project tasks include research framework development, theoretical study and computer modelling, experimental testing and model validation/refinement, and socio-economic performance study. The project will attract an experienced researcher with particular knowledge in SSPCM, BIPV and heat and mass transfer into Europe, which will achieve transfer of knowledge from outside into Europe, and thus help growing EU's knowledge-based economy and society.
 
Description The photovoltaic integrated with thermoelectric generator (PV-TEG) can make effective use of trapped heat behind PV cell as TEG module work with higher temperature difference. However, the low heat transfer efficiency due to the high contact thermal resistance at the interface of PV-TEG system was still an urgent problem to be solved. Therefore, a unique building integrated power generation system, by incorporating a PV cell, TEG modules, a seasonally adjustable micro-channel heat pipe (MCHP) array and shape stabilized phase change materials (PCM) plates, named Building-Integrate-able Power Generation (ESI-BIPG) system was proposed in this study. The findings are listed as below:
(1) In summer, the electrical efficiency of the PV-TEG system was 4.8% higher than that of the PV system, and the electrical efficiency of the PV-MCHP-PCM-TEG system was 6.9% higher than that of the single PV system.
(2) In winter, the electrical efficiency of the PV-TEG system was 2% higher than that of the PV system, and the electrical efficiency of the ESI-BIPG system was 8.6% higher than that of the PV system.
(3) The annual electrical efficiency of the ESI-BIPG system was 11.4% higher than that of the PV system and 5.7% higher than that of the PV-TEG system in a typical year.
(4) The electrical energy reached maximum value (1.363 kWh) with the outer PCM plate's thickness of 20 mm in summer. The electrical efficiency reached maximum value with the inner PCM plate's thickness of 2 mm in winter.
(5) The ESI-BIPG system's electrical efficiency of inner PCM plate with hollows or aluminum fins performed better than other cases. The system's electrical efficiency of inner PCM plate with hollows increased 1.1% than PCM plate without hollows. The system's power output of inner PCM plate with hollows increased 1.2% than PCM plate without hollows. The system's electrical efficiency and power generation adopting with inner PCM plate with aluminum fins increased 8.4% than PCM plate without fins.
In order to optimize the ESI-BIPG system, the electrical efficiency and total life cycle cost were defined as multi-objective functions, and a comprehensive analysis, including sensitivity analysis and system optimization, was conducted to achieve global optimization over the entire life cycle. The mathematical model of the system was developed and experimentally validated in Wuhan, China. The following key findings and contributions were derived:
(1) Sensitivity Analysis: A global sensitivity analysis identified PV reference efficiency, the quantity of TEG modules, the thickness of external and internal PCM plates, and their melting temperatures as the most critical parameters affecting system performance. This provides a clear direction for system optimization.
(2) Performance Improvement: The electrical efficiency and total life cycle cost were formulated as multi-objective functions and optimized using the hybrid NSGA II-MOPSO algorithm. The optimization results revealed that the maximum electrical efficiency (29.7%) and minimum life cycle cost (36.7 GBP) could not be achieved simultaneously, highlighting the inherent trade-offs in system design.
(3) Optimal Design Parameters: The optimal configuration achieved an electrical efficiency of 25.6% and a total life cycle cost of 37.3 GBP. Key parameters included a PV reference efficiency of 26.4%, TEG module quantity of 220, and optimal thickness of 21.6mm and 2.8mm and melting temperatures of 30.8? and 11.4? for external and internal PCM plates.
(4) Significant Gains: After optimization, the average annual electrical efficiency increased by 52.4%, while the total life cycle cost decreased by 98.4%, compared to the system without optimization. These results demonstrate the substantial benefits of multi-parameter optimization for hybrid energy systems.
Exploitation Route I envisage my research on Building-Integrate-able Power Generation (ESI-BIPG) systems being taken forward through both academic and non-academic routes.
Academic Route: The findings will be disseminated via high-impact journals, conferences, and collaborations with institutions like the Energy Systems Catapult. This will facilitate further research, refinement, and integration into broader energy models.
Non-Academic Route: Industry partnerships, particularly with PV manufacturers (e.g., Oxford PV, First Solar) and renewable energy firms, will be key for commercialization. Engaging with government bodies such as the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and Innovate UK can help shape policy and funding strategies. Collaboration with industry associations like the Solar Trade Association (STA) will support market adoption.
By combining these routes, I aim to bridge the gap between research and deployment, ensuring that novel PV technologies contribute to the UK's net-zero targets and global solar energy advancements.
Sectors Energy

Environment
 
Description (1) Teaching impact The novel experiment involved Building-Integrate-able Power Generation (ESI-BIPG) unit was developed for sophomore in a university. The electrical efficiency was tested and compared with the traditional photovoltaic unit. (2) Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Education for Future Energy Leaders Professor Xudong Zhao has been selected as a Winner of the 2024 International Energy Awards for Lifetime Achievement. He was invited to Doha, Qatar for the Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Energy Awards on October 22nd, 2024, joining a gala dinner at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort & Convention Hotel. The Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah International Foundation for Energy and Sustainable Development is a non-profit organisation established to preserve and build upon H.E. Al-Attiyah's 40 years of service in the energy industry. His legacy includes important roles in a variety of senior leadership positions within the Government of Qatar and the international community on issues confronting humanity, including climate change and sustainable development. Their mission is to provide robust and practical knowledge and insights on global energy and sustainable development topics and communicate these for the benefit of the Foundation's Members and community.
First Year Of Impact 2024
Sector Energy,Environment
Impact Types Economic

Policy & public services