CIBSE AWARDS | VIRTUPVT SOLAR FLAIR Naked Energys VirtuPVT technology was a clear winner in the CIBSE Building Performance Awards in the Product or Innovation of the Year Thermal Comfort category. Phil Lattimore looks at how combining solar photovoltaic and thermal technology offers an alternative solution for low carbon heating and power A The product initially stemmed from exploring ideas around the hyper-efficient transfer of heat, which were then married with the concept of combining heat and power THE ACTIVE OFFICE s a novel product that combines both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal technology to provide heat and power generation in a single solution, Naked Energys VirtuPVT was described by the judging panel of the CIBSE Building Performance Awards 2021 as head and shoulders above the rest as it took this years Product or Innovation of the Year Thermal Comfort title. The hybrid VirtuPVT system is a commercially available, low-profile modular solar system that delivers a combined solar heat and power solution, which the judges said achieves cleaner integration of renewable technologies in buildings to meet 21st-century energy needs. The system uses Naked Energys patented PVT technology. Each unit includes a novel solar thermal flat plate absorber to heat water flowing through the system with 60% efficiency, which can be used for sanitary hot water or process heat up to 80C. Additionally, monocrystalline PV cells bonded to the absorber convert solar energy to produce electricity with typical PV efficiency of around 20%. The absorber is housed in an evacuated borosilicate glass tube, with the vacuum minimising thermal losses to ensure optimal heat output. Combined, Naked Energy says the technology offers total efficiencies of up to 80%, which, the firm claims, makes VirtuPVT the highest energy-density solar technology in the world. The installation of the system is novel, too, compared with regular solar arrays. Its lowprofile, versatile mounting system means it can be installed on pitched or flat roofs without the need for typical racks or A-frames to achieve the optimal angle to the sun. Instead, the tubes can be mounted either in the vertical or horizontal plane, and the absorber panel PV/thermal receiver angle can be tilted within each tube to align for an optimal solar performance, with the units spaced to avoid self-shading in winter months. The low profile of the individual units 26.5cm off the roofline is also designed to optimise visual impact while reducing wind shear. They are self-ballasting and have integral reflectors to minimise shading, while the individual units are small and light enough to be carried by hand for installation. At an operational level, system requirements are no different from conventional PV or solar thermal systems, with standard connectivity 32 July 2021 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE July 21 pp32-34 Innovation award.indd 32 25/06/2021 16:36