Techno-economic analysis of a renewable energy based multigeneration system for zero energy buildings

The present study explores the contribution and benefits of a renewable energy based multigeneration prototype integrating a luminescent compound parabolic concentrator, a photovoltaic/thermal system and thermal storage using phase change materials. A numerical model was developed for assessing the energy performance of the prototype and the results are presented for three different European locations. A simplified economic analysis was also developed and presented for two different scenarios and the same European locations. The results reveal that the installation of the IDEAS system in Lisbon, with a total estimated yearly use of solar energy of 1215 kWh and an amount of energy sold to the grid of 40.6 kWh, results in savings of 266 € (26 % of energy bill). For the Ferrara location, with a total estimated yearly use of solar energy of 967 kWh and 19.8 kWh of energy sold to the grid of, results on 229 € (16 % of energy bill) of annual savings. In Dublin, with a total estimated yearly use of solar energy of 862 kWh and an amount of energy sold to the grid of 20.5 kWh, results on annual savings of 257 € (14 % of energy bill).