Optimizing buildings energy performance through photovoltaic panel integration within a mobile shading system

Abstract

The paper aims at evaluating the energy performance of an office building that integrates photovoltaic panels in a mobile shading system with horizontal elements, based on simulations, while also defining the optimum performance parameters: shading degree, orientation and inclination angle. The impact analysis of the energy performance of an office building model conveys a perspective on the benefits of integrating this type of dynamic (adaptable) envelope, taking into consideration the general context of energy conservation and the limitations imposed to conventional energy use. The combined envelope system optimizes the energy performance by allowing winter solar gains, reducing overheating in summer and transforming the solar energy in electricity. The simulations are made by using an average size office building model located in the city of Iasi, Romania. The 3D model was designed in Archicad, while the thermodynamic simulations are performed in PHPP, Design Builder and SolarPro programs. The results show significant improvement of energy performance by choosing a shading system with horizontal elements using the optimum inclination angle for the shading device and the minimum inclination for the photovoltaic panels. Combined with the shading system which reduces the cooling energy demand, the entire system provides a substantial decrease in heating and cooling energy demand.