SLICE: An Innovative Photovoltaic Solution for Adaptive Envelope Prototyping and Testing in a Relevant Environment

Angelo Monteleone,Gianluca Rodonò,Vincenzo Sapienza,Antonio Gagliano

doi:10.3390/su13168701

Abstract

The development of adaptive architectural envelopes is one of the goals of researchers that aim to improve the energy performance of buildings. Traditional devices often have drawbacks linked to the complexity of the kinetic systems used, as the mechanical systems for guaranteeing proper operation are complex and expensive (e.g., hinges). Adaptive envelopes require energy for driving the mechanical components and management systems. Thus, it is useful for such adaptive elements to be self-sufficient, generating the energy necessary for their functioning. This study presents a prototype of a lightweight and stand-alone component for dynamic envelopes, characterized by a flexible composite material integrated with high-efficiency photovoltaic cells called the Solar Lightweight Intelligent Component for Envelopes (SLICE). The management and control of the SLICE is based on the Arduino platform. This paper describes the multidisciplinary design process that led to the realization of the current prototypes, the laboratory test phases, as well as the results of the preliminary experiments carried out under real environmental conditions.

Highlights

The global environmental crisis presupposes a new innovative push in the construction sector, mainly aimed at reducing energy consumption and exploiting energy resources from renewable sources
This paper presents an innovative prototype called Solar Lightweight Intelligent Component for Envelopes (SLICE), which concerns research on adaptive building envelopes established at the University of Catania for several years
This study illustrates the design of an adaptive envelope component, namely SLICE, or the Solar Lightweight Intelligent Component for Envelopes, which is capable of being energy self-sufficient

Summary

Introduction

The global environmental crisis presupposes a new innovative push in the construction sector, mainly aimed at reducing energy consumption and exploiting energy resources from renewable sources This need had already emerged with European Directive 2002/91, which invites looking at a new generation of nearly zero-energy buildings and, at the same time, work on the reduction of polluting emissions toward the study of multifunctional facades capable of interacting with the environment and the user. To get to this goal, two issues are identified: the improvement of the performance of the building envelope and the use of very efficient equipment for space cooling and heating.

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion