Numerical evaluation on energy saving potential of a solar photovoltaic thermoelectric radiant wall system in cooling dominant climates

The energy used for mechanical cooling systems in buildings in hot climate is about 70%–80% of the total energy consumption. It is important to curtail this part of energy consumption by exploring new technologies. The proposed system is a building integrated photovoltaic thermoelectric (BIPVTE) wall system which combines the concept of active PV façade and solar cooling. We present a complex model of BIPVTE consisting of a PV system and thermoelectric radiant wall system. The thermal and electrical performance of BIPVTE under cooling dominant climates was numerically investigated using experimentally validated system model. The performance of BIPVTE is embodied by comparative analysis with a conventional concrete wall. A steady state analysis was designed to explain and explore the system working mechanism. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for model parameters optimization. With the optimized results, the energy saving potential of BIPVTE in Hong Kong and other 6 cities in Hot Summer and Warm Winter zone of China was implemented. The results indicated that in Hong Kong, the energy saving ratio of BIPVTE is nearly 480%, and the installation of BIPVTE in other 6 cities can save energy ranging from 29.19 kWh/m2 to 62.94 kWh/m2 annually. •A system model of building integrated photovoltaic thermoelectric wall is built and verified.•Steady state analysis is conducted for exploring system working mechanism.•Sensitivity analysis is implemented for model parameters optimization.•Energy saving potential of researched system in Hong Kong is 480% comparing reference wall.•Energy saving potential of researched system for other cities can be 447.9% at most.