New path for PV-powered cooling

An Australian-Indian group of researchers is exploring the combined use of thermoelectric modules (TEMs) and rooftop photovoltaics (PV) in HVAC for buildings.

Using air as the thermal fluid for the rooftop PV, the scientists designed a system that uses a primary TEM wall to deliver room air conditioning.

Traditionally, TEMs have not been used in such applications due to a low coefficient of performance (COP), however, the researchers believe that combining their use with PV may increase their commercial viability.

“The TEM wall system is integrated with thermal energy storage material wall and has the primary function to heat or cool the adjacent room, store excess thermal energy and can also be optimised as a support system to enhance the efficiency of any already installed conventional AC system,” researchers told PV Magazine.

“In the rooftop system, the airflow is sucked by natural convection from the bottom of the air-duct below the PV modules and takes the heat away from the integrated TEM as well as the PV modules.”

As well as being more environmentally friendly in terms of direct emissions than cooling systems with refrigerants that contribute to global warming, the technology’s advantages include low maintenance, easy repair, low noise, and precision cooling, say developers.

Read more at PV Magazine, or read the full report, Prospects of sustainable photovoltaic powered thermoelectric cooling in zero energy buildings: A review.

Photo by Nuno Marques on Unsplash