SolarHybrid - Solar hybrid systems for heating and cooling
Project leader University of Innsbruck: Daniel Neyer
Project staff: Jacqueline Neyer, Alexander Thür
Project partner:
- Austria Solar Innovation Centre (ASIC)
- Pink GmbH
- Cofely Kältetechnik GmbH
Funding organisation: Climate and Energy Fund, Energy Mision Austria, e!Mission.at 4th call (project no. 843855)
Duration: 01.03.2014 - 31.08.2016
Large primary energy savings can be achieved in the provision of heating and cooling in the building sector by means of high solar coverage rates. Solar thermal or solar electric systems can be used for this purpose. There is currently a very controversial debate, particularly in the area of heat supply for residential buildings, regarding these two technologies and the energy and economic aspects. Nevertheless, both technologies can bring advantages in hybrid solar systems by means of well thought-out concepts.
The aim is to develop economical, efficient and reliable hybrid systems for energy supply. To achieve this, a holistic view of both technologies is required. Potential for improvement in terms of energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness should be identified for both technologies. The optimisation potential must be exhausted before considering hybrid systems. Hybrid systems only make sense with optimised individual systems (solar thermal or photovoltaic)!
Structure and methodology of the project
These optimisations, as well as the development of hybrid systems, are based on the same method. Based on a radically minimised number of components, the systems are mapped in detailed dynamic simulations. Automated algorithms are used to design the systems and the corresponding controllers. The complex minimisation problems inevitably lead to optimum energy efficiency. Shared components and minimisation concepts also make these solar technologies economically interesting alternatives. The energy performance of these developments is verified by means of hardware-in-the-loop laboratory measurements on a functional model.
Ultimately, the aim is to identify the greatest possible cost reduction potential at system technology level. The well-founded, but also complex approach is intended to show that the economic and efficient utilisation of both solar energy technologies in real hybrid systems makes sense. This demonstrates a promising way of maximising the share of solar coverage. A reduction in the use of primary energy in the provision of heating, cooling and electricity in the building and commercial sector is achieved.