Power performance analysis of a transparent DSSC BIPV window based on 2 year measurement data in a full-scale mock-up

Abstract

Among transparent solar cells or modules, the DSSC (Dye-sensitized solar cell) has a relatively low production cost compared to silicon-based solar cells and provides a range of colors for building design. On the other hand, its commercialization has been limited by the low power generation efficiency and durability. Few studies have examined the power generation performance of a full scale DSSC module applied to actual buildings. In this study, a long-term performance test was conducted on vertical and inclined DSSC BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) windows applied to a full-scale mock-up facility to verify the power performance and power characteristics of transparent DSSC BIPV glazing under actual conditions over a 2 year period.The DSSC module was fabricated by the serial connection of nine 2.26Wp transparent DSSC sub-modules. The multi-layered DSSC BIPV glazing, which was composed of a “DSSC module (9mm)” + “air space (12 mm)” + “clear glass (5mm)” was joined to the curtain wall frame of the test cell facility.The unit size of the DSSC BIPV glazing was 0.975 m (W) × 0.965 m (H) and its maximum capacity was 20.34Wp. The size of the test cell facility was 3 m (W) × 3 m (H) × 9 m (D). The building is a container type insulated with 100 mm urethane foam. Four and two DSSC BIPV windows were installed on the vertical south wall and on the 30° sloped roof, respectively. Through the monitoring system, the power performance data of each DSSC BIPV windows and meteorological data were analyzed over a two year period (from 1st Jan. 2015 to 31st Dec. 2016).The 2 year data showed that the average daily power yield for each month of the vertical DSSC BIPV window ranged from 1.75 to 3.93 kWh/kWp·day (average 2.53 kWh/kWp·day), whereas that of the 30° sloped DSSC BIPV window ranged from 2.16 to 5.34 kWh/kWp·day (average 3.60 kWh/kWp·day).The operating power efficiency of the vertical DSSC BIPV window ranged from 2.65 to 4.14% with an average of 3.40%, whereas that of the sloped DSSC BIPV window was in the range of 2.64–3.63% with a mean of 3.01%. The power generation efficiency of the vertical plane BIPV window was higher than the sloped BIPV window. In contrast to the average daily power yield, the power efficiency of the vertical window was higher than that of the sloped window, which may be due to the higher efficiency of the DSSCs under overcast conditions. This is consistent with the power performance of the DSSC BIPV windows according to the sky conditions, which showed an increase in power efficiency with increasing cloud cover or decreasing solar intensity.