Building Integrated Photovoltaic System with Integral Thermal Storage: A Case Study

Abstract

During the last 20 years the research of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Systems (BIPV) related with different techniques and concepts has been widespread, but rather scattered. In BIPV systems photovoltaic panels functioning as an integral part of the building envelope, therefore, enhances the aesthetic appeal of the building. In addition of providing renewable energy, they may also contribute to improving the indoor climate when thermal energy released during the conversion process is withdrawer efficiently, passively or actively recovered (BIPV/T). The increase in BIPV/T research since 1990s, is a consequence of the growing interest of the construction industry in offering new alternatives to traditional approaches. The paper is reporting in the first part, a BIPV classification focused on the building integration aspect and on the characterization of the main parameters involved rather than on technologies used or the performance aspects. In the second part, the paper is focused on reporting the experimental results from a particular application, a case study developed in Portugal, where a thermal storage element, Phase Change Materials (PCM) integrates the BIPV.

Review on series connected photovoltaic thermal (PVT) systems: Analytical and experimental studies

“…They found that the BiPV-T systems always produce more useful energy than the BiPV; consequently, the break-even cost of BiPVT was found to be always positive. Aelenei et al (2014) experimentally and analytically studied the BiPVT system together with phase change material (PCM) as a thermal storage component. Their system presents a more constant temperature inside the room and at PCM gypsum board.…”

Thermal Behavior of a BIPV Combined with Water Storage: An Experimental Analysis

“…Solar XXI was built in Lisbon in 2006 as a demonstration project [23] of the Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG), with the objective to be an example o low-energy building using passive systems both for heating and cooling (ground towards an NZEB [13,24]. The building integrates several passive solutions for en mand reduction in winter and summer.…”

Evaluation of Energy Production through Solar Photovoltaic Technology for Self-Consumption in the Parish Council of São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal – Preliminary Study

“…The development of alternative, cost effective sources of energy for residential and non-residential buildings has to be a priority. Designing energy efficient and affordable solutions integrated in buildings, dealing with summer and winter climate challenges, represents a very ambitious goal (Aeleneia et al 2014).…”