ABSTRACT
A photovoltaic-thermal cogeneration system for partial solar electrification and comfort conditioning, interfaced with the electric power utility grid, is described. A heat pump used for air conditioning, and, solar assisted, for supplemental heat. A first experimental house, Solar One, built in 1973, and, implementing some of the features, is analyzed during its first three years of operation (1). Conclusions drawn from its operation led to the development of a first residential cogeneration system which was partially completed in 1976/7. One wing of this residence is "heated" by a low temperature system with essentially zero driving force via a copperfoil embedded in the double outside walls of the house and kept near room temperature by pipes fed with heat from an indoor pool, used for heat storage. This permits the use of low temperature roof collectors with maximum thermal and photovoltaic conversion efficiences. First experimental results are reported and analyzed in respect to performance and payback of first cost.
