About the project
The objective of PVT4EU is to develop, test, and generate scientific knowledge of high-efficiency and cost-effective hybrid PVT solar collectors to meet heating and cooling demand, expanding its application in both the industrial and residential sectors. Moreover, the project will assess the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the new PVT developments and potential barriers (social and regulatory) to its deployment. It is important to mention that the project will produce at least two Minimum Viable Products (MVP).
Motivation
Buildings, comprising 40% of the EU’s energy usage, and the industrial sector, responsible for nearly a third, rely heavily on fossil fuels. The European economy’s shift towards sustainability and digitalization demands environmentally-friendly technologies for its energy systems. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 requires decarbonizing these sectors, necessitating a substantial increase in renewable energy adoption. Innovative solutions like photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors offer promise in meeting this demand for heating, cooling, and electricity in both industrial and building contexts, supporting the transition to a greener economy.
The PVT4EU project aims to develop two advanced PVT collectors designed for residential and low to medium-temperature industrial applications (20℃-140℃), focusing on efficiency and affordability. By integrating solar thermal and PV technologies with innovative management strategies, the project plans to create industry-ready collectors that can produce both electricity and heat simultaneously at high temperatures, surpassing traditional setups. The goal is to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness in heating and cooling systems, promoting sustainable energy practices in various sectors.
PVT4EU aims to address challenges in adopting hybrid solar technologies for heating and cooling by focusing on technological improvements and system integration.
Ambition
Methodology
PVT4EU has been structured in eight interrelated work packages (WP) depicted below
o1
Thermal management strategies for PVT4EU technologies
Design, optimize, and test PVT technologies capable of producing electricity, heat, and cooling at different temperature levels between 20℃ – 140℃
02
Electric and control strategies for PVT4EU technologies
Characterize, design, and test novel PV cell technologies for performance improvement of the innovative collectors.
o3
Synergic thermal and electrical design of PVT4EU technologies
Design, optimize, and test PVT technologies capable of producing electricity, heat, and cooling at different temperature levels between 20℃ – 140℃
04
PVT4EU conceptualization, testing, and validation
Characterize, design, and test novel PV cell technologies for performance improvement of the innovative collectors.
o5
PVT4EU system integration technologies
Design, optimize, and test PVT technologies capable of producing electricity, heat, and cooling at different temperature levels between 20℃ – 140℃
06
Business models and impact assessment towards exploitation
Characterize, design, and test novel PV cell technologies for performance improvement of the innovative collectors.
o7
Dissemination, communication, and innovation plan
Design, optimize, and test PVT technologies capable of producing electricity, heat, and cooling at different temperature levels between 20℃ – 140℃
08
Project Management
Characterize, design, and test novel PV cell technologies for performance improvement of the innovative collectors.
Project Objectives
01
Design, optimize, and test PVT technologies capable of producing electricity, heat, and cooling at different temperature levels between 20℃ - 140℃
02
Characterize, design, and test novel PV cell technologies for performance improvement of the innovative collectors.
03
Maximization of PVT collectors efficiency using Spectral Splitting.
04
Design and simulate a model predictive control system algorithm to maximize the performance of PVT systems integrated with heating and cooling systems and increase their robustness and reliability.
05
Implement eco-design strategies into the development phase of the PVT technologies.
