Combining PVT Generation and Air Conditioning: A Cost Analysis of Surplus Heat Utilization

Global climate change and the resulting effects pose a serious threat to the international community. The average global temperature will continue to rise over the next years and extreme weather phenomena such as heat waves are more likely to occur. This creates a higher demand for cooling in many European and international geographies. The high energy consumption of air conditioners in comparison to their cooling output causes a search for an efficient solution to provide cooling for households. In this paper, we compare conventional cooling systems like compression cooling air conditioners to systems using an air conditioner supplied by an absorption chiller. Heat required by the absorption chiller is provided by a photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) panel. We conduct a simulative case study in which we compare a conventional compression cooling air conditioner with a cooling system driven by an absorption chiller that uses the heat surplus from PVT panels. Hot water from the PVT panels and cold water from the absorption chiller is distributed among participating households via a district heating and cooling network. We find that the proposed system can lead to a reduction in energy costs.