NIBE Launches PV-T Collectors for Multi-Source Heat Pumps
NIBE's new photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors evolve ground-source heat pumps into multi-source systems, potentially reducing reliance on traditional ground arrays.
NIBE Energy Systems has launched a new PV-T collector designed as a direct alternative or supplement to boreholes or surface collectors for ground source heat pumps. The system generates electrical energy to operate the heat pump, while a circulating brine solution cools the PV-T panel, boosting electricity generation efficiency on warmer days and providing additional comfort in the summer. This development indicates a shift towards hybrid renewable energy systems, combining solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technologies to maximise energy output and efficiency. The integration of PV-T technology represents an evolution in heat pump design, offering a more versatile and potentially cost-effective approach to renewable heating and cooling.
Technical Specifications and Operation
The NIBE PV-T system combines photovoltaic cells with a thermal heat exchanger to extract energy from the ambient air. According to NIBE, the system operates silently without a mechanical fan and can provide sufficient energy even on cloudy days and at night. This is achieved through the combined effect of solar irradiation and aerothermal energy extraction, making the system less dependent on direct sunlight compared to traditional solar PV panels.
Key features include:
- Direct alternative or supplement to borehole or surface collectors
- Combined electricity and aerothermal energy extraction
- Silent operation without mechanical fans
- Passive cooling during warmer months
- Improved PV generation efficiency through panel cooling
The NIBE PV-T collector is an alternative, innovative and silent heat source for use with NIBE ground source heat pumps. The installation of a PV-T array can be utilised as a direct alternative or supplement to a traditional borehole or surface collector, while delivering the same levels of efficiency. It is also an excellent solution for when an air/water solution is not desirable.
Depending on the heating requirements, they can replace traditional boreholes or ground arrays, minimising disruption and removing the need for extensive ground works which can be impractical on some sites.Jonny Hancock, Product Manager at NIBE Energy Systems (UK)
Market Implications and Adoption
A pilot installation of the system is already in operation at the University of West London, where old gas boilers were replaced with ground source heat pumps and 580 solar PV-T panels, backed by a £5 million Public Sector Decarbonisation Fund. This project presents a challenge to traditional HVAC designs, potentially influencing future public sector projects.
Academic institutions are often early adopters of innovative technologies, potentially yielding valuable real-world data.
