Simulation-Based Assessment of Hybrid PV/T Solar Systems for Healthcare Sterilization and Power Supply

Abstract

The healthcare industry urgently needs a reliable energy source to meet both electricity and high-temperature heat demands for sterilization processes. This paper simulates hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV/T) systems to serve a healthcare facility in Santhia, comparing its performance with a conventional photovoltaic (PV) system with battery storage. Both configurations were simulated using Polysun under the same climatic conditions. The 97.2kWp PV system achieved 53.6% electrical self-sufficiency and generated excess electricity (116,871 kWh/year) sent to the grid. The PV/T system, with a 1.3 m² collector, contributed 15.3% to the thermal load and produced ancillary electricity. Environmental analysis showed significant CO2 reduction: 75,501 kg/year for the PV system and 555 kg/year for the PV/T system. While large-scale PV systems optimize carbon-emission reduction and financial gains, the hybrid PV/T system offers a small but valuable alternative for energy resilience, particularly in providing renewable thermal power for sterilization services.