Abstract
Currently, standard semitransparent photovoltaic (PV) modules can largely replace architectural glass installed in the windows, skylights, and facade of a building. Their main features are power generation and transparency, as well as possessing a heat insulating effect. Through heat insulation solar glass (HISG) encapsulation technology, this study improved the structure of a typical semitransparent PV module and explored the use of three types of high-reflectivity heat insulation films to form the HISG building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems. Subsequently, the authors analyzed the influence of HISG structures on the optical, thermal, and power generation performance of the original semitransparent PV module and the degree to which enhanced performance is possible. The experimental results indicated that the heat insulation performance and power generation of HISGs were both improved. Selecting an appropriate heat insulation film so that a larger amount of reflective solar radiation is absorbed by the back side of the HISG can yield greater enhancement of power generation. The numerical results conducted in this study also indicated that HISG BIPV system not only provides the passive energy needed for power loading in a building, but also decreases the energy consumption of the HVAC system in subtropical and temperate regions.
Highlights
Both soaring energy costs and the effects of climate change mean that greater attention is being paid to reducing energy consumption
The results showed that the implementation of a government program, the “Low Carbon Building Programme”, would facilitate the economic benefits of this building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) module and further shorten the energy payback time (EPBT)
The life cycle assessment (LCA) method can be used to facilitate the design of a building [17], and the results showed that the application of a semitransparent PV module is more in line with the concept of zero carbon building compared to the use of an opaque BIPV module
Summary
Both soaring energy costs and the effects of climate change mean that greater attention is being paid to reducing energy consumption. In China, Li et al [14] made a theoretical analysis of the application of semitransparent PV modules in offices Their results showed that their application could reduce energy usage for indoor lighting and air-conditioning equipment, and had a surplus electricity output, which will be conducive to the development of net zero energy buildings. Their results showed that, with proper control, a semitransparent thin-film window can save energy for indoor lighting and air conditioning, and generate surplus electricity. In a previous study [18], our team combined a thin-filmtype semitransparent PV module with a high-reflectivity heat insulation film to develop a type of heat insulation solar glass (HISG) that simultaneously possesses power generation, heat insulation, and energy-saving functions. We explore the optical and thermal properties and overall power generation effects and use simulation software to calculate the power generation and energy-saving effects of each HISG as applied to actual buildings in Taiwan, with a subtropical climate, and in London, England, with a temperate climate
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