Field Study and Modeling of Semi-Transparent PV in Power, Thermal and Optical Aspects

Wah, Wong Pui; Shimoda, Yoshiyuki; Nonaka, M.; Inoue, Masanori; Mizuno, Minoru

doi:10.3130/jaabe.4.549

Cited by 25 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…In this study, a combination of the daylighting control method and dynamic daylight climate-based metrics (Useful Daylight illuminance) were used to evaluate daylighting performance and energy savings [37,38]. The daylighting performance of the BIPV windows demonstrated the amount of illuminance that is accepted and the capability of the lighting on the systems under both cloudy and clear sky conditions to perform a transitional shift and be displayed similarly to regular glass material [39].…”

Section: Daylighting Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings

2020

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Recently, Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows have become an alternative energy solution to achieve a zero-energy building (ZEB) and provide visual comfort. In Algeria, some problems arise due to the high energy consumption levels of the building sector. Large amounts of this energy are lost through the external envelope façade, because of the poorness of the window’s design. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the optimum BIPV window performance for overall energy consumption (OEC) in terms of energy output, heating and cooling load, and artificial lighting to ensure visual comfort and energy savings in typical office buildings under a semi-arid climate. Field measurements of the tested office were carried out during a critical period. The data have been validated and used to develop a model for an OEC simulation. Extensive simulations using graphical optimization methods are applied to the base-model, as well as nine commercially-available BIPV modules with different Window Wall Ratios (WWRs), cardinal orientations, and tilt angles. The results of the investigation from the site measurements show a significant amount of energy output compared to the energy demand. This study revealed that the optimum BIPV window design includes double-glazing PV modules (A) with medium WWR and 20% VLT in the southern façade and 30% VLT toward the east–west axis. The maximum energy savings that can be achieved are 60% toward the south orientation by double-glazing PV module (D). On the other hand, the PV modules significantly minimize the glare index compared to the base-model. The data extracted from the simulation established that the energy output percentages in a 3D model can be used by architects and designers in early stages. In the end, the adoption of optimum BIPV windows shows a significant enough improvement in their overall energy savings and visual comfort to consider them essential under a semi-arid climate.

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Section: Daylighting Simulationmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings

2020

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“…[71] presents a review of architectural approaches for ST-BIPV systems in China. In [72,73], modeling research with experimental validation has been conducted. The authors of [73] studied the integration of m-Si, a-Si/µc-Si, and organic PV semi-transparent modules, while those of [72] limited their research to m-Si and a-Si PV modules.…”

Section: Cell Cladding/homogeneous Pv Glazingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In [72,73], modeling research with experimental validation has been conducted. The authors of [73] studied the integration of m-Si, a-Si/µc-Si, and organic PV semi-transparent modules, while those of [72] limited their research to m-Si and a-Si PV modules. The authors of [74] conducted modeling research considering various types of PV technologies (c-Si, m-Si, a-Si, CdTe, CIS, and HIT PV semi-transparent modules).…”

Section: Cell Cladding/homogeneous Pv Glazingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of Transparent and Semi-Transparent Building-Integrated Photovoltaics for Fenestration Application Modeling in Building Simulations

2022

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Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) have attracted interest due to their capacity to feasibly supply buildings with renewable power generation, helping to achieve net-zero or net-positive energy goals. BIPV systems include many different solutions depending on the application, the PV technology, and the envelope material they substitute. Among BIPV systems, the last two decades have seen a rising interest in transparent and semi-transparent BIPV (T- and ST-BIPV), which add features such as daylighting and solar radiation control. T- and ST-BIPV mainly consist of opaque PV cells embedded in fenestration systems (PV cladding), while most recent research considers semi-transparent PV cells (homogeneous PV glazing) with improved optical properties. The evaluation of T- and ST-BIPV systems in building performance is complex, as it needs to combine optical, thermal, electrical, and daylighting calculations. Therefore, adequate modeling tools are key to the development of these technologies. A literature review is presented on T- and ST-BIPV. First, the types of T- and ST-BIPV technologies present in the literature are summarized, highlighting the current trends. Then, the most common optical, thermal, and electrical models are described, finishing with a summary of the T-and ST-BIPV modeling capabilities of the most common building simulation tools. Regardless of the implemented modeling tools, the main challenges to be considered are the optical model, the inclusion of the PV output in the window energy balance, and the calculation of the cell temperature for the correct assessment of cell efficiency. Modeling research mostly considers conventional PV (Si-based PV and thin-film) technologies, and research studies rarely address the cost evaluation of these T- and ST-BIPV systems.

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“…Semi-transparent PV windows are an effective solution for simultaneously providing electricity generation and daylighting with various degrees of solar heat and natural light penetration (Wah et al 2005). However, it is important to ensure that these PV windows have good electrical performance as well as suitable transparency levels and colours to satisfy visual needs and comfort.…”

Section: Pv Windowsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intelligent windows for electricity generation: A technologies review

et al. 2022

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Buildings are responsible for over 40% of total primary energy consumption in the US and EU and therefore improving building energy efficiency has significant potential for obtaining net-zero energy buildings reducing energy consumption. The concurrent demands of environmental comfort and the need to improve energy efficiency for both new and existing buildings have motivated research into finding solutions for the regulation of incoming solar radiation, as well as ensuring occupant thermal and visual comfort whilst generating energy onsite. Windows as building components offer the opportunity of addressing these issues in buildings. Building integration of photovoltaics permits building components such as semi-transparent façade, skylights and shading devices to be replaced with PV. Much progress has been made in photovoltaic material science, where smart window development has evolved in areas such as semi-transparent PV, electrochromic and thermochromic materials, luminescent solar concentrator and the integration of each of the latter technologies to buildings, specifically windows. This paper presents a review on intelligent window technologies that integrate renewable energy technologies with energy-saving strategies contributing potential solutions towards sustainable zero-energy buildings. This review is a comprehensive evaluation of intelligent windows focusing on state-of-the-art development in windows that can generate electricity and their electrical, thermal and optical characteristics. This review provides a summary of current work in intelligent window design for energy generation and gives recommendations for further research opportunities.

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Field Study and Modeling of Semi-Transparent PV in Power, Thermal and Optical Aspects

Cited by 25 publications

References 5 publications

The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings

The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings

Review of Transparent and Semi-Transparent Building-Integrated Photovoltaics for Fenestration Application Modeling in Building Simulations

Intelligent windows for electricity generation: A technologies review

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