Simulation Study of ERV Pre-heating for Arctic Residential Applications

In the extreme cold of the Arctic, ERV effectiveness is reduced due to core frosting. This simulation study investigates the performance of an open loop air-based building integrated photovoltaic/thermal collector (BIPV/T) designed to preheat ERV supply air and to generate electricity. A finite difference model of the BIPV/T system was simulated, using local weather data and indoor fresh air requirements. BIPV/T design parameters such as tilt angle, and cavity depth were varied, with consideration of ease of construction for improved implementation in the Arctic. The BIPV/T helped increase the fresh air temperature supplied to the ERV over 16 °C and reduced defrosting time up to 7 h per day. The 40 m2 BIPV/T array produced up to 33 kWh/day of electricity and 7.5 kWh/day of thermal energy. The simulated BIPV/T energy generation was coupled with measured arctic residential energy usage and resulted in savings of approximately 30% in electricity and 10% in total net energy.