Performance Analysis of a PVT-BTES-DSHP System with Nocturnal Aerothermal Collection in Agricultural Applications

This study presents the annual performance assessment of a hybrid photovoltaic–thermal (PVT) field coupled with Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) and a Dual Source Heat Pump (DSHP) operating in an agricultural swine nursery barn under the RES4LIVE project. The objective was to evaluate the effect of extending system operation into nighttime hours through a nocturnal aerothermal charging mode and to compare its performance against a baseline daytime-only configuration. Results show that from 1st April to 31st August 2024, the integrated system achieved a total heat storage of 12,154 kWh, composed of 11,649 kWh from daytime solar operation and 505 kWh from nocturnal aerothermal recovery. Nighttime operation contributed an average of 4.16% of the total thermal storage, with peak monthly improvements exceeding 8% in July under favorable summer conditions. The additional operation did not introduce significant thermal drift in the BTES and enhanced overall solar field utilization through extended operating hours and reduced collector stagnation. The findings confirm the feasibility and energetic advantage of nocturnal aerothermal collection as a complementary charging strategy for hybrid solar–geothermal systems. This approach can enhance seasonal energy storage performance in livestock applications and improve energy self-sufficiency in the agricultural sector.