Performance evaluation of building integrated semitransparent and opaque photovoltaic Trombe wall systems employing periodic thermal models

Abstract

In cold climates, buildings’ overall energy efficiency can be enhanced by replacing the conventional south-facing concrete wall with a photovoltaic (PV) Trombe wall. PV-Trombe wall offers similar structural support as a conventional wall, and it generates energy, provides passive heating, and improves climatic resilience. In the present investigation, the thermal performance of a ventilated BiSPV (Building integrated Semitransparent Photovoltaic) Trombe wall is compared with that of a BiOPV (Building integrated Opaque Photovoltaic) Trombe wall for cold climatic conditions. Periodic thermal models based on the energy balance equations of the BiSPV and BiOPV Trombe walls are developed in terms of climatic and design parameters to evaluate the performance of these walls. The results indicate that BiSPV Trombe wall is significantly more effective than BiOPV Trombe walls in heating an enclosed space. The room temperature in the case of BiSPV Trombe wall is 15 ˚C higher than BiOPV Trombe wall. However, a higher level of indoor thermal comfort is achieved for BiOPV Trombe wall system. Finally, it was concluded that the indoor room temperature could be adjusted accordingly by varying PV modules’ packing factor, airflow rates, and wall thickness.