This paper reviews research carried out to improve the coefficient of performance of thermoelectric cooling systems during the past decade. This includes development of new materials for thermoelectric modules, optimisation of module design and fabrication, system analysis and heat exchange efficiency. Several conclusions are drawn. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In this paper, a thorough review of the available literature on photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems is presented. The review is performed in a thematic way in order to allow an easier comparison, discussion and evaluation of the findings obtained by researchers, especially on parameters affecting the electrical and thermal performance of PV/T systems. The review covers a comprehensive historic overview of PV/T technology, detailed description of conventional flat-plate and concentrating PV/T systems, analysis of PV/T systems using water or air as the working fluid, analytical and numerical models, simulation and experimental studies, thermodynamic assessment of PV and PV/T systems and qualitative evaluation of thermal and electrical outputs. Furthermore, parameters affecting the performance of PV/T systems such as glazed versus unglazed PV/T collectors, optimum mass flow rate, packing factor, configuration design types and absorber plate parameters including tube spacing, tube diameter and fin thickness are extensively analyzed. Based on the thorough review, it can be easily said that the PV/T systems are very promising devices and PV/T technology is expected to become strongly competitive with the conventional power generation in the near future.

This paper presents a comprehensive and state-of-the-art review on thermochemical energy storage (ES) technologies using thermochemical materials (TCMs) for building applications. Thermochemical storage devices (materials, open and closed sorption as well as chemical heat pump) enhance the energy efficiency of systems and sustainability of buildings by reducing the mismatch between supply and demand. Thermal ES (TES) systems using TCMs are particularly attractive and provide a high ES density at a constant temperature. Technical and economical questions will need to be answered for all possibilities, which warrant more development and large-scale demonstration of TES in future.

This paper presents results of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis and experimental investigation of an ejector refrigeration system using methanol as the working fluid. The CFD modelling was used to investigate the effect of the relative position of the primary nozzle exit within the mixing chamber on the performance of the ejector. The results of the CFD were used to obtain the optimum geometry of the ejector, which was then used to design, construct and test a small-scale experimental ejector refrigeration system. Methanol was used as the working fluid, as it has the advantage of being an ‘environmentally friendly’ refrigerant that does not contribute to global warming and ozone layer depletion. In addition, use of methanol allows the ejector refrigeration system to produce cooling at temperatures below the freezing point of the water, which of course would not be possible with a water ejector refrigeration system. CFD results showed that positioning the nozzle exit at least 0.21 length of the mixing chamber throat's diameter upstream of the entrance of the mixing chamber gave better performance than pushing it into the mixing chamber. Experimental values of coefficient of performance (COP) between 0.2 and 0.4 were obtained at operating conditions achievable using low-grade heat such as solar energy and waste heat. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

In recent years, interest in heat recovery systems for building applications has resurged due to concerns about the energy crisis and global climate changes. This review presents current developments in four kinds of heat recovery systems for residential building applications. A extensive investigation into the heat recovery integrated in energy-saving systems of residential buildings is also covered, including passive systems for building components, mechanical/natural ventilation systems, dehumidification systems, and the thermoelectric module (TE) system. Based on this review, key issues have been identified as follows: (1) The combination of heat recovery and energy-efficient systems could be considered as a promising approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make residential buildings meet high performance and comfort requirements. However, real-life evaluation of these systems with economic analysis is insufficient; (2) When heat recovery is applied to mechanical ventilation systems, issues such as pressure leakages and air shortcuts should be addressed; (3) The heat pipe heat recovery system enjoys more potential in being combined with other sustainable technologies such as thermoelectric modules and solar energy systems due to its advantages, which include handy manufacturing and convenient maintenance, a lack of cross contamination, and greater thermal conductance.