Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The objective of the proposed research is to develop novel building integrated energy systems suitable for net-zero energy building applications through mathematical modelling, simulation, and optimization of individual components as well as their integrated systems with experimental validation from the available testing facilities. The research will focus on new and innovative renewable energy technologies such as solar photovoltaic/thermal collector, solar assisted two-stage variable capacity air-source heat pump, combined low-exergy infloor/radiant panel/forced air spacing conditioning system, applications of thermal mass and phase change materials as an integral part of the building, and hybrid combinations of different systems, as well as their overall optimal design parameters and control strategies considering the building and its HVAC system dynamics and short term weather forecast information for maximum utilization of on-site renewable energy potentials while maintaining proper indoor thermal comfort. The project will concentrate on the combined building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) collectors coupled with advanced two-stage (TS) variable capacity (VC) air source heat pump (ASHP) as the primary energy generation mechanism while exploring different complementary secondary HVAC distribution systems for both heating and cooling applications in net-zero energy buildings. Emphasis will also be placed in the area of temporary/diurnal thermal storage systems, be they building integrated and/or discrete, for the maximum utilization of the solar energy generation by the combined BIPV/T+ASHP system. To achieve the stated objective the research can be loosely divided into four major subprojects with each concentrating on different but complementary aspect of the complete system. These subprojects are 1) Design, Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Roof based BIPV/T+ASHP System, 2) Design, Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Temporary/Diurnal Thermal Storage System, 3) Operational Optimization Modeling and Analysis of Combined BIPV/T + ASHP System, and 4) Operational Optimization of Temporary/Diurnal Thermal Storage System. The results from the proposed research will provide realistic and accurate modeling tools for designing, assessing, and component sizing of building integrated renewable energy systems and their optimal operational control strategies in advanced hybrid renewable energy generation and their related HVAC distribution systems for buildings. Such integrated simulation tools are currently lacking and their availability, particularly with state-of-the-art building energy simulation program like TRNSYS and EnergyPlus, will likely promote faster adoption of these environmental-friendly, clean energy systems in the building sector, which in turn will contribute positively to Canada's commitment to the environment while increasing our economic competitiveness. The proposed research project will provide modeling tool and operational strategy able to predict the behaviour and performance of different advanced building integrated energy systems, such as BIPV/T+ASHP, as a whole and as each individual component in wide ranging and highly dynamic thermal and electrical demand conditions in buildings. Such models will be useful in 1) estimating different individual systems as well as their combined hybrid configurations energy consumption and associated GHG reduction potentials, 2) determining the suitability of different systems in different climates and building types, 3) determining the optimal size of the integrated systems and its associated components for given applications, 4) evaluating different system optimization and operational strategies, and 5) promoting technology commercialization.