A framework for the design of a direct coupled photovoltaic heating system for remote areas

Abstract

In order to overcome the challenges associated with clean energy heating in remote areas, promote the further electrification of building space heating and enhance the installed capacity of photovoltaic systems, thereby alleviating the light abandonment in areas with high solar potential, this paper presents a novel design framework, namely the Evangel framework. The objective is to provide design guidance for the configuration of equipment capacity in direct coupled photovoltaic electric heater underfloor heating system with phase change materials in remote areas. A methodology for determining the optimal sizing of photovoltaic modules and electric heaters based on non-guaranteed hours is put forward. Moreover, the analysis considers the average indoor temperature and fluctuations in indoor temperature on typical days, with the objective of optimising the phase change material parameters. The Evangel framework is employed in this study to provide recommended capacity configurations for this system in typical cities in Tibet. The findings of the system performance analyses indicate that a rational phase change material design can markedly enhance the system's heating efficacy in comparison to a system devoid of phase change material. The results demonstrate that the framework can be effectively applied to the design of direct coupled photovoltaic heating system in remote areas, thereby meeting the local heating demand to a certain extent.