Development of flat-plate building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system: A review

Abstract

The concept of building integrated photovoltaic/thermal system was introduced in the 1990 s and attraction towards this increased in 2000 because it provides net zero energy building by enhanced solar utilization. This work represents review of the flat-plate building integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) system, including current developments, experimental and numerical studies and parametric effect on the building performance. Flat-plate BIPV/T system reviewed here are: air-based system, water-based system and hybrid system in which, nano fluid, phase change material, cushion structure and heat pipe etc. are covered. From the study it is found that Performance of BIPV/T depends on design parameters and local weather condition. Also, more thermal energy is obtained by BIPV/water system as compared to BIPV/air system. This work provides overview of research, development, application and status of system. From most of the studies of BIPV/T systems and facades it has been observed that the variation of thermal efficiency is in the range of 22–55% for air-based systems and 30–60% for water-based systems. Further the electrical efficiency variation is in the range of 10–18% for air-based systems and 10–17% for water-based systems. It has been observed that the variation of thermal efficiency increases upto a mass flow rate of 0.1 kg/s after which the change is marginal to justify for thermal gain. Also, the electrical efficiency remains nearly unchanged at all mass flow rates. The highest thermal efficiency of 72% has been observed for Nano-PCM-PVT system which indicates that nano particles and PCM has a great potential for PVT systems.