Sizing and Operation of Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal System in Manufacturing Facility Considering Integrated Demand Response

Abstract With rising global energy demands and environmental concerns, sustainable energy solutions draw significant attention, particularly in energy-intensive manufacturing activities. Hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems, which generate both electricity and thermal energy, represent a promising approach to address the diverse energy needs of industrial facilities while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, high installation costs and fluctuating energy prices pose challenges to their widespread adoption. This study investigates the optimal sizing and operation of PVT systems in manufacturing facilities by considering integrated demand response (IDR) strategies with dual time-of-use pricing (TOU) for electricity and natural gas. By dynamically shifting energy consumption to off-peak periods, these strategies improve the long-term cost-effectiveness of PVT installations. Energy storage systems, including battery energy storage and thermal storage, further support energy retention and reduce utility dependency. Despite their potential, limited research has addressed dual-resource optimization under IDR conditions in industrial settings. To bridge this gap, this study develops a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model for optimal PVT system sizing and operation, aiming to minimize total costs, including capital investment, operational expenses, and utility charges, while improving environmental sustainability. The results demonstrate the economic and operational benefits of a dual-resource, TOU-based approach for PVT system optimization in industrial settings.