A hybrid PV thermal (water or air) wall system integrated with double air channel and phase change material: A continuous full-day seasonal experimental research

Abstract In order to satisfy seasonal energy demand in both daytime and nighttime for the building, a hybrid PV/T solar wall system is proposed for area with four distinct seasons. Three different modes are introduced for summer, winter and transition season respectively. Not only are electricity and hot water (or air) generated to reduce building’s energy load in the daytime, cooling load in summer and heating load in other seasons are decreased during the nighttime. Continuous full-day experiments are conducted in three seasons. In transition season, electrical and thermal efficiencies are 11.6% and 55% respectively; temperature of experimental room is 0.6 °C lower and 0.8 °C higher than reference room in the daytime and nighttime respectively; cooling load in the daytime and heating load in the nighttime are both decreased. In winter, electrical efficiency is 12.3%; room air temperature is 10.8 °C and 1.4 °C higher than reference room in the daytime and nighttime respectively; full-day space heating is achieved. In summer, the electrical and thermal efficiencies are 10.2% and 57.3% respectively; room air temperature is 1.2 °C and 0.5 °C lower than reference room in the daytime and nighttime respectively, full-day cooling load is decreased.