• Energy Research
• 13. Climate action close

Abstract Solar energy can be used to produce thermal energy, by means of thermal solar panels and electrical energy, using photovoltaic (PV) modules. In urban and suburban areas, because of a limited number of surfaces apt for installation of solar systems, the full development of both technologies can be limited. The integration of solar, thermal, and PV modules into a single unit, the so-called photovoltaic thermal (PV-T) module, could be a possible solution to generate electrical energy and heat simultaneously on the same surface. Many technical solutions are currently available; however, in this study, the analysis is limited to liquid-cooled nonconcentrating PV-T collectors where c-Si cells are used. In particular, the experimental results of two pilot plants, based on patented panels, named TESPI – thermal electric solar panel integration, are presented. The main advantage of these modules is that they represent a retrofit of existing PV plants. In fact, they can be installed on top of conventional PV modules as they are based on the infrared filtering effect of water on solar radiation. A standard test for hybrid PV-T systems for developing new solutions and measuring their performance was designed. In order to improve the design of modules and check their behavior in typical domestic hot water systems, two different PV-T solutions, but with identical PV modules, were analyzed without the heat transfer system. The prototypes are made of two systems (PV and PV-T) installed on two Italian sites, Enna (Sicily) and Pisa (Tuscany), characterized by typical Mediterranean climate. In this study, PV-T systems were analyzed at a PV string level. Different operating conditions were tested and electrical and thermal critical operating conditions were detected.

This paper elaborates different hybrid energy scenarios for applications in small or medium residential building facilities in typical Mediterranean climate conditions. Proposed hybrid energy solutions are based on the split air conditioning units as they are the most used individually energy sources able to cover heating and cooling demands in residential building facilities in considered climate conditions. Four different hybrid energy options have been analysed as they represent highly efficient energy solutions that could reduce overall energy consumption as well as also carbon dioxide emissions from residential sector. For each proposed energy solution a technical aspect was addressed, as well as also an economic aspect through obtained LCOE analysis. Therefore, the proposed and analysed hybrid energy concepts turned out to be a viable energy solution for residential applications as calculated LCOE was competitive with current retail prices of electricity on the EU market. The calculated LCOE ranged from 0.036 €/kWh up to 0.159 €/kWh, depending from the considered hybrid energy solution. The solution with the modified split heat pump system turned out to be most favourable. However, as each solution is characteristic one an additional evaluation framework was developed. Finally, the results of this study could be useful as examples of good practice as well as also a useful guidance for policy makers.

Abstract The Venetian Villas are an historic body of 3782 buildings in Veneto and Friuli from the XVI century to the XVIII century. UNESCO has certified 24 villas of Andrea Palladio as World Heritage Sites. The Regional Institute for the protection of these sites has launched a competition to find innovative technological solutions that contribute to the energy needs of the villas without interfering with the architectural and landscape quality of the same. The paper illustrates the technological solution that won the competition. The possibility of powering the historical Venetian Villas with renewable energy sources is explored. The realization of submerged PV plants integrated with existing water basin is suggested as the best solution. Energy yield is adequate and landscape quality is conserved. Technical details and architectural layouts are discussed.

Abstract Floating photovoltaic is a new design solution for photovoltaic (PV) power plants; Floating PV systems (FPVSs) are normally installed on water bodies such as natural lakes or dams reservoirs, and offshore solutions are also investigated. Such technology has attracted increased worldwide attention since 2007 and medium and large FPVSs have already been deployed in several countries, such as Japan, South Korea, India and USA. The cost effectiveness of FPVS increases dramatically if the floating structure performs also other tasks, for instance the reduction of water evaporation. In this context, the possibility to integrate PV plants with the existing basins for wastewater treatment is explored; a compact FPVS without tracking with optimal orientation and distance among rows is suggested as the most simple and economic design solution. Some test cases in South Australia are suggested and analysed.