Thermodynamic analysis of a photovoltaic-thermal system integrated with an organic rankine cycle and a vapor compression cooling cycle

In this study, a thermodynamic analysis was conducted on a hybrid system that integrates an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), a vapor compression refrigeration (VCR) cycle, and a photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) unit. The ORC-VCR units utilized R290, R1234yf, and R1233zd(E) as working fluids, respectively. The thermal energy source in the ORC unit was assumed to be geothermal. The influences of various operational and design parameters on key performance indicators were investigated. The results showed that increasing the flow rate lowered the PVT surface temperature, thereby enhancing electricity production. However, higher flow rates also elevated the cooling load and consequently increased the compressor's power consumption. Similarly, increasing the number of panels necessitated additional cooling channels, leading to greater compressor power consumption but also higher electricity generation. Although raising the temperature of the fluid entering the PVT collector reduced the cooling capacity, it increased the PVT unit's electrical output. A rise in the geothermal heat source temperature generally improved the overall performance indicators. Meanwhile, higher solar irradiation boosted electricity production but also led to greater energy consumption in cooling. Finally, analyses of the ORC flow rate suggested that, for an 80 °C heat source, an ORC unit operating at 10 kg/s would be required. In the daily analyses, up to 26,70% more electricity was generated with PVT collectors compared to standard PV panels. Furthermore, the highest total electricity production in the system was obtained when R1233zd(E) was used.