Photovoltaic/Loop-Heat-Pipe Heat Pump Techno for Low-Carbon Buildings : Energy-efficient Technique for Building Services

With the widespread deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) and thermal devices imminent, this research aims to resolve some engineering barriers to the existing solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) technologies by incorporating an innovative loop heat pipe (LHP) and a typical heat pump. In addition, a coated aluminium-alloy (Al-alloy) sheet replaces the conventional baseboard for the PV cells to improve heat exportation. As a result, this research has developed a novel solar PV/LHP heat pump system to maximise the electrical output of a PV module and generate an additional amount of heat simultaneously. The overall investigation follows procedures for a critical literature review, optimal concept design, mathematical derivation, the development of simulation models, prototype fabrication, laboratory-controlled and field testing, simulation model validation and socio-economic analysis. The research results are expected to configure feasible solutions for future PV/T technologies and develop a new solar-driven heating system. The core technologies may enable a significant reduction in or even elimination of the carbon footprint in the built environment.