An integrated framework for optimum planning and operating solar energy conversion technologies in buildings.

Summary: The study presents an iterative structure for optimal allocating roof space to photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters to provide part of the energy demand of the building and supply the excess energy to the grid. This framework is based on a mathematical programming model and consists of six stages: demand model, optimum tilt angle, selection of energy conversion technologies, near shadow, planning and operation, and evaluation with a detailed model. The output of the proposed model is the optimal arrangement of photovoltaic panels and solar water heaters, type and capacity of cooling system, and operational issues including energy exchange between solar systems, electricity grid, natural gas network, and building and capacity factor of water circulation pump working between solar water heater system and central cooling‐heating system in each time step. Various constraints such as full supply of the building's energy demand, limited allocated space to solar systems installation, limited financial resources for investment in solar systems, technical constraints, etc, have been considered in this model. Eight different scenarios in terms of energy carriers prices, guaranteed renewable electricity purchase tariff, circulation pump operational cost, and investment costs for solar systems were examined. The results of using the proposed model on an office building show a water‐cooled absorption chiller cooling system is the optimal option with the ability to satisfy technical constraints. If the electricity generated from the photovoltaic panels cannot be sold to the grid, only the installation of solar water heaters with a capacity of 29 kW is optimal. In this case, the annual capacity factor of the system, considering the hot water demand, solar irradiation, and cost of running the pump, is 22.7%. Suppose it is possible to sell electricity to the grid due to a higher sale tariff than purchase one in Iran, in that case, only the solar panels with a capacity of 8.75 kW will be installed on the roof. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]