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).
