Abstract
Renewable energy systems are key technologies towards realizing reduced carbon footprint and sustainable architecture. Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are renewable energy systems that function as integral building envelope components and simultaneously produce electricity. Not only is it essential to install BIPV for energy rebates, incentives or to cut down dependence on grid, but it is equally important that BIPV satisfies relevant building energy codes. Thus, thin high-performance insulation is needed to meet strict codes. Of all kinds of insulation materials presently available, vacuum insulation panel (VIP) has the highest thermal resistance per unit thickness. Therefore, VIP is a viable solution as an insulator for BIPV. In this study, the thermal characteristics and electrical performance of a hybrid BIPV module combined with VIP was investigated. The study is largely based on experiments carried out in a test building facility and supplemented with essential numerical simulations using Physibel BISCO/TRISCO building physics software. Data analysis was carried out for winter season. Results indicated that temperature at the back of the hybrid BIPV module (directly in contact with indoor air) was about 4 °C warmer than the heating setpoint temperature, which is advantageous for winter season. The maximum electrical efficiency was estimated to be 12.3 %. Compared to manufacturer specified electrical efficiency of 15 %, the peak efficiency realized is somewhat acceptable, factoring losses and winter weather conditions. Integrating BIPV and VIP yields an overall hybrid product that is compact and portable, and thermally more efficient from a building envelope perspective. As far as the authors know, this study is the first covering BIPV combined with VIP as a unitized module. Finally, current challenges and future research opportunities are explored.
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