Quasi-dynamic energy performance analysis of building integrated photovoltaic thermal double skin façade for middle eastern climate case

Abstract

This paper presents an energy analysis through simulating a building integrated photovoltaic thermal double skin façade (BIPVT-DSF) and aims to fill the gap for the development of a quasi-dynamic model for BIPVT systems in Middle Eastern climate condition. It considers cooling and thermal load reduction and power generation over a one-year period. The paper focuses on energy efficiency retrofitting within the Middle Eastern climate. The methodological approach is based on analytical modeling of the temperature and velocity profiles between the outer and inner façades through thermodynamic and heat transfer phenomena. The paper describes how significant potential exists for cooling load reduction. The results of this study provide wider investigations on the thermal energy performance of the BIPVT system based on hourly and daily frequencies. According to the quantitative outputs, a suggested BIPVT-DSF system has the capability of reducing annual cooling and thermal loads by 251,623 (kWh) and 17,811 (kWh), respectively. In addition, the paper concludes that a photovoltaic system with the peak power of 10.6 (kW) (a) can generate grid connected electricity of 18,064 (kWh) annually and (b) can improve the energy performance index of the existing building by 34.3 percent. Thus, BIPVT-DSF can be considered as an appropriate energy efficiency solution for the building sector in the Middle East region.