Resumen:
In energy applications, a design engineer generally selects a hybrid system to obtain a process that
has some benefits over a conventional uncombined system. The benefits of combined systems in
fulfilling heating and cooling purposes are generally found in the form of energy efficiency. As
shown in previous chapters, energy efficiency is a key factor in (environmental) sustainability and
economy, the latter of which can be used as a measurement of how well individual technical solutions
can compete with other alternatives. Thus, thermal solar energy systems, characterized by the
capability to provide energy at a high density though with intermittent availability, and geothermal
systems, having constant availability but mostly present at low temperature levels, are emerging as
replacements for fossil-fuel based systems. Without a doubt, harvesting solar energy has been integrated
into human activities since prehistoric times and geothermal energy usage was first reported
at least a few centuries ago; however, both lost prominence in covering human energy needs with
the onset of the industrial revolution. The exception has been during the last few decades as renewable
energies have gained market share, a trend mostly driven by the scarcity of fossil fuels.
