Performance prediction of a curved-type solar balcony combined with the flexible PV/T system during the non-heating season

Abstract

Curved surfaces are vital elements for well-designed buildings, while related system design is scarce in the building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal (BIPV/T) field. This study proposes a curved-type solar balcony combined with the flexible PV/T system, aiming to realize the curved PV/T façade application, which could generate electricity and provide hot water. The theoretical model to describe the electrical and thermal behavior of the curved balcony system is put forward and verified. Furthermore, the performance of the curved-type system and the flat-type system with the same absorb collector area is investigated based on the weather data in Hefei, China. The main results are: (1) The curved-type system could enhance the electrical yield and heat gain by the PV/T balcony according to the analysis based on a sunny day and a cloudy day in summer. The enhancement would be more obvious when the proportion of beam radiation is higher. (2) The performance of the comparative systems during the non-heating season demonstrates that the curved system could improve the electrical yield, heat gain, and total exergy. (3) The parametric analysis indicates that the curved system with a bigger central angle and facing south performs better.