Abstract
Due to recent changing climate conditions and glazing of building facades, a rapid increase in the requirement of cooling systems can be observed. Still the main energy source for cooling are fossil fuels. In this article we report on a fully integrated approach of running a heat pump for actively cooling a test room by electric energy, generated by facade integrated photovoltaic modules, the “COOLSKIN” system. Photovoltaic facades are emission free in the operation phase, efficiently utilize otherwise unused surfaces, and portray a favorable method in terms of construction physics and the architectural design of buildings. Compared to existing systems, COOLSKIN is an entirely autonomous system where every component is located inside the facade structure which introduces a high level of plug and play character. In this article the analysis of the electric performance of the COOLSKIN system with respect to its operation under different environmental conditions is presented. The over all system efficiency was determined with 73.9%, compared to a simulated efficiency (PV*SOL) of 68.8%, and to the theoretically expected value of 85%. The system behavior is evaluated depending on photovoltaic output and the cooling demand. The analysis shows that a considerable amount of cooling demand could be decentrally fulfilled with photovoltaic energy, but environmental conditions as well as system layout have a considerable impact on system performance.
Highlights
The transition to renewable energy is essential to reduce carbon dioxide pollution and positively affect the climate [1]
During the development phase of the scientific framework of the COOLSKIN system, the design was subdivided into three development steps: The first involves an evaluation of promising system configurations, the second involves the construction and dimensioning for a functional experimental model, and the third involves the implementation and monitoring of an outdoor test-facade
Over the course of this article the electric, thermal, and climatic monitoring data of the installed COOLSKIN out-door test facility was analyzed for the time period between
Summary
The transition to renewable energy is essential to reduce carbon dioxide pollution and positively affect the climate [1]. In Austria 33.5% of total energy and 72.6%. Of electric energy originate from renewable sources. Of total national electric energy demand with renewable sources by 2030, reach climateneutrality by 2040, and switch the entire energy system to a renewable one until 2050 [2,3,4]. Expanding the market for solar power, supporting the implementation of policies which strengthen the use of clean technologies and optimizing renewable energy technologies will be important tasks to shift the fossil dominated energy system to a renewable one [1,5,6,7]. The estimated roof and facade area potential of 230 km indicates that it will be a major challenge to fulfill the photovoltaic energy goal [8]. A recent study from Fechner [9]
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