Parametric analysis of factors affecting thermal performance of photovoltaic triple skin façade system (PV-TSF)

Abstract

This paper optimizes the factors affecting the performance of a photovoltaic triple-skin façade system (PV-TSF) using the Taguchi design of experiments (DOE) method. Input parameters such as air cavity width (A), perforated sheet porosity (B), and outer skin transparency (C) are investigated for the responses (solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), radiative heat flux (RHF) and illuminance (lux)). Experiments are conducted using the Taguchi's L25 orthogonal array design. The results showed that the optimum conditions for SHGC, RHF, and lux levels are obtained at A3B1C1, A2B1C1, and A1B5 C5, respectively. The transparency of outer skin is most dominant factor for SHGC and lux with a contribution of nearly 54% and 85%, respectively, and perforated sheet porosity with 59.5% contribution is most dominant factor for RHF. The linear regression analysis exhibited a strong direct relationship with high correlation coefficients (R2). Confirmation tests are also performed, which were found within the confidence interval.