Assessing thermal performance of an atrium integrated with photovoltaics

Abstract

The thermal performance of an atrium integrated with photovoltaic (PV) modules at the Jubilee Campus, University of Nottingham, has been evaluated by measurement and computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling. The internal and external environments of the atrium were monitored and CFD was applied to the prediction of the thermal performance of the atrium. The effect of ventilation strategies on the performance of PV arrays was investigated. CFD modelling indicated that for effective cooling of roof PV arrays, the air inlet should be placed close to the roof.