Resumo:
This dissertation delves into the efficiency and feasibility of a hybrid system comprising photovoltaic panels and a heat pump for water heating, harnessing the available solar irradiation in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Initially, we conduct a review of solar energy and heat pump technologies. The study compares three scenarios: the PV-T system with a heat pump, the combination of a conventional PV system with a vacuum heater, and the conventional PV system solely powering the shower. Scenario 1 proves to be the most efficient, despite the higher initial investment (R$ 16,639.49). This scenario produces 544 kWh of electrical and thermal energy and exhibits the lowest LCOE (R$ 2.79). In contrast, Scenario 2, despite its elevated CAPEX and OPEX, generates only 78 kWh of energy and demonstrates the highest LCOE (R$ 38.91). Scenario 3, with the lowest CAPEX, produces 174 kWh of energy and has an LCOE of R$ 6.16. The results demonstrate that this hybrid system is capable of providing a significant amount of water heating throughout the year, approximately 521 kWh of thermal energy generated, which is roughly 2 times the thermal energy generated by the vacuum water heating system, effectively capitalizing on the region's high solar irradiation. The system proves to be effective in terms of energy savings, increased photovoltaic panel efficiency, and optimal utilization of thermal energy compared to other systems. The energy generation of the studied system, when compared to the conventional photovoltaic system, is approximately 4 times greater, and this generated energy supplies the energy consumed by the heat pump. The study highlights that the PV-T hybrid system with heat pumps is one of the possible solutions in transitioning towards a more sustainable energy future, less dependent on fossil fuels.
