The present research deals with the multicriteria optimization of two arrangements
of a combined system including a building‐integrated photovoltaic
thermal (BIPV/T) with a heat recovery wheel (HRW) for Kermanshah
weather condition in Iran. The considered arrangements have two operational
approaches including heat and cool approaches. In the heat approach
of the arrangement (I), the fresh ambient air is preheated in two steps by
flowing first among the HRW and then through the BIPV/T collector. In
the cool approach of the arrangement (I), the outdoor air stream enters the
HRW and is precooled there by exchanging heat to the building exhaust
air. The exhaust air then enters the BIPV/T collector and cools the PV panels,
thereby augmenting their efficiency. The cool approach of the arrangement
(II) is like the arrangement (I), while in the heat approach of the arrangement
(II), the outdoor air first gets into the BIPV/T collector and then flows
among the TW. The uniform end of annual cost (UAC) and yearly available
energy are considered as the objective functions. The obtained results
revealed that however energetic performance of the arrangement (I) is more
suitable than the arrangement (II); its UAC is 4441$ higher than that of
the arrangement (II).