Integrated Photovoltaic (PV) System for Modeling Residential HVAC Loads – Technical Analysis

Abstract

This paper presents a thorough technical analysis by introducing grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to meet the electrical energy demand of HVAC systems in residential housing units spanning the U.S. The proposed model utilizes DOE backed survey data and solar irradiance levels to size PV systems to support electrical load requirements for air conditioning and heating components in housing within all major U.S. climate regions. To perform the analysis, average annual load data provided by energy information administration (EIA) surveys based on NREL benchmark simulation house parameters are calculated against solar radiation data to determine PV array sizing. The calculated PV systems were tested by simulating their operation to estimate an average annual production profile that was compared to the total average annual household load in order to determine overall potential annual load reduction.