Investigation on the performance of a solar multifunctional photovoltaic/thermal window combining photocatalytic oxidation technology

Abstract

In response to the challenges of high energy consumption and poor indoor air quality, a novel solar multifunctional louver window has been proposed. This study developed a numerical model to examine the effects of environmental variables and louver angles on the thermal, electrical, and degradation performance of the system. Additionally, an exergy-based evaluative framework was introduced to account for the varying qualities of energy in assessing the performance of solar multifunctional windows. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation was conducted using this framework. The results demonstrate that the exergy efficiency of the solar multifunctional window can be maintained at 20 % or higher, even under reduced solar irradiation, delivering high-quality energy. Lower environmental temperatures and solar radiation intensities were found to negatively affect ventilation, thermal efficiency, and air purification capacity. The thermal, purification, and electrical efficiencies were influenced by the louver angle to varying extents. In terms of air purification, the window achieved the highest Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) at louver angles between 80° and 90°, thereby enhancing air purification performance.