Abstract
Photovoltaic semi-transparent materials (STPV) integrated into glazing systems can offer good potential for energy saving to buildings, influencing heating loads, cooling loads, and lighting, as well as electricity production. Moreover, with the new stringent regulations issued by various European countries, following the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD, 2010/31/EC), the building envelope, including the glazing elements, needs to have high thermal performance to guarantee Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) behavior. This work presents an assessment of energy saving potential of 4 different types of STPV with respect to conventional double pane glass. Dye sensitized solar modules (DSM) and thin film modules were considered in the study. Simulations based on an IEA reference office building (STD) and on reference buildings prescribed by the new Italian building energy performance regulation (NZEB) were carried out. All the glazing peculiarities could be simulated using only one simulation tool, namely IDA ICE 4.7.1. Dye sensitized solar modules resulted as the best performing devices for all orientations and climate zones. The work also evidenced how the requirements of NZEB seem to be too stringent for insulation properties, especially for the climate zone of Rome.
Highlights
Glazing systems are the most fascinating and the most critical elements of the building envelope
Simulations based on an IEA reference office building (STD) and on reference buildings prescribed by the new Italian building energy performance regulation (NZEB) were carried out
BEST Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) consumes more energy than BEST standard reference building (STD). This is due to the fact that reference glass (RG) NZEB is less insulated than RG STD in the glazing component, while, once BEST is applied to both models, the (A)
Summary
Glazing systems are the most fascinating and the most critical elements of the building envelope. Aesthetic and functionality are two aspects that need to be balanced to obtain a product that is compliant with the more recent and strict requirements provided by the energy performance directives at European [1,2] and National [3] levels. Following the European directives on the energy performance of buildings, recently issued a norm that prescribes the minimum thermal requirements for new buildings and existing refurbished buildings to be considered as NZEB [3]. The norm requires the comparison of refurbished or new building energy performance with the performance of a reference building with the prescribed minimum thermal requirements. Photovoltaic semi-transparent materials (STPV), integrated into windows as active elements, seem to Buildings 2017, 7, 9; doi:10.3390/buildings7010009 www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings
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