Digitalising BIPV energy simulation: A cross tool investigation

Abstract

The long-term viability of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) as a renewable energy technology has garnered increased attention in recent discussions. However, there is currently a noticeable absence of simulation tools specific to BIPV applications that can cover the whole modelling chain. It remains unclear to what extent existing PV and BIM-based simulation tools can effectively address the complexities of BIPV projects. Therefore, this study aims to assess the process of existing simulation tools for BIPV energy simulation, three standalone PV tools (SAM, PV*SOL premium, and PVsyst), two Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based standalone PV tools (BIMsolar and Solarius PV), two plug-ins in BIM-based tools (INSIGHT for Revit, Ladybug Tools for Grasshopper/Rhinoceros 3D), and one Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) tool plugin (Skelion for Sketchup). Based on one existing building project with three different types of BIPV-installations, this study explored the capability of these eight tools in modelling/importing building geometry, selecting weather data, setting system layout and array, evaluating the solar resource, estimating energy losses, and assessing energy generation. The simulation results are compared with monitored energy yield data and presented with deviation analysis. Suggestions focus on pointing out the future development directions for BIPV digital simulation. This study offers insights and guidance for digitalising the BIPV performance simulation in the complex building design.