A new integrated solar energy based system for residential houses

Fossil fuel consumption, particularly in power generating systems, is recognized as the primary contributor to global warming that threatens human health and comfort profoundly. Therefore, ignoring sustainability, environmental, health and safety, and climate change dimensions is no longer an option in power systems. In this study, an integrated solar-based nature-friendly multigeneration power system is designed, developed and analyzed for residential houses. The system comprises a heat pump, an absorption chiller, photovoltaic-thermal panels, photoelectrochemical reactors, and a proton exchange membrane fuel cell to provide the useful outputs of heating, cooling, electricity, hot water, hydrogen production, and domestic wastewater treatment. The overall performance of the system is evaluated by thermodynamic analysis through energy and exergy approaches. Furthermore, the system is also assessed by conducting parametric studies to observe different environmental and design factors on the overall system performance. The result of the current study shows that the proposed system can achieve the energy and exergy efficiencies of 71.8% and 40%, respectively. Furthermore, the system is capable of providing an 8.6 kW heating load and 5.08 kW cooling loads, respectively.