Photovoltaic Systems In Buildings Research Articles

A novel uncertainty quantification method for electricity performance of building photovoltaic systems from multiple weather data sources

Distributed photovoltaic (PV) systems on buildings offer a promising solution for local renewable energy integration. As interest in sustainable energy grows, the demand for building PV systems is increasing. However, a significant challenge lies in accurately quantifying the uncertainty associated with building PV performance, particularly when considering multiple weather data sources. This study proposes a novel uncertainty quantification method to address this challenge. A case study of a building PV system with a PV wall and roof in Tianjin, China, is utilized to demonstrate the proposed method. Three types of weather data from different sources are considered: typical meteorological year data, multi-year historical data, and climate change projections. Uncertainty is quantified using a weighted-mean approach, incorporating weights based on recency, period, and accuracy of the data sources. Results indicate that the proposed method effectively integrates uncertainties from various data sources, providing reliable long-term energy yield estimates for PV systems. The variation coefficient of annual yield for the PV wall and roof system across ten typical meteorological year files is approximately 10 %. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of uncertainty in building PV performance, enabling informed decision-making in sustainable building design and energy management.

Dynamic grid emission factors and export limits reduce emission abatement and cost benefits of building PV systems

Photovoltaic (PV) installations in the building sector are expected to play a crucial role in Switzerland's efforts to achieve decarbonization targets. Nevertheless, most analyses on PV system design prioritize economic factors, and overlook the impact of angle-dependent PV generation, dynamic grid greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and export limitations on their emission abatement potential during operation. Our study sheds light on the cost- and emission-optimal orientation and sizing of PV systems in buildings, factoring in hourly grid GHG emission intensity and curtailment measures. We employ mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) and illustrate the methodology for a case study building under different scenarios, aiming to minimize costs and emissions by considering a combination of rooftop and façade PV systems, and a battery. We show that assuming a constant annual grid GHG emission intensity may overestimate annual emission abatement potential of PV generation by a factor of two, emphasizing the need for dynamic grid GHG emission intensity. When considered, cost-optimal solutions favour larger systems that maximize total production. In contrast, emission-optimal solutions increase self-consumption via inclusion of battery systems. Curtailment due to export limitations reduces the cost and emission benefits of excess generation (from feed-in tariff payments and carbon credits), prompting a trend towards smaller PV installations with steeper panel tilts. Thus, the emission abatement potential of PV generation heavily depends on the option to export excess electricity production.

Optimal Planning of Urban Building-Type Integrated Energy Systems Considering Indoor Somatosensory Comfort and PV Consumption

Building energy consumption is the main urban energy consumption component, which mainly serves people-centered work and living energy demands. Based on the physical requirements of humans in urban buildings and to determine the comfortable body temperature in each season, this paper establishes a sizing optimization model of building-type integrated energy systems (IES) for sustainable development, where the cooling and heating loads required to maintain indoor somatosensory body comfort temperature are calculated. Depending on the external energy price, internal power balance, and other constraints, the model develops an optimal sizing and capacity-planning method of energy conversion and storage unit in a building-type IES with PV generation. The operating principle is described as follows: the PV generation is fully consumed, a gas engine satisfies the electric and thermal base load requirements, and the power system and a heat pump supply the remaining loads. The gas price, peak-valley electricity price gap, and heat-to-power ratio of gas engines are considered important factors for the overall techno-economic analysis. The developed method is applied to optimize the economic performance of building-type IES and verified by practical examples. The results show that using the complementary characteristics of different energy conversion units is important to the overall IES cost. A 300 kW building photovoltaic system can reduce the gas engine capacity from 936.7 kW to 854.7 kW, and the annual cost can be approximately reduced from 7.82 million to 7.50 million RMB yuan.

Economic and feasibility analysis of brownfields into brightfields by solar energy

AbstractThis study evaluated the costs and feasibility of building photovoltaic (PV) energy systems on brownfields in four localities in Taiwan. Brownfield remediation was assessed as ex situ excavation, in situ physicochemical treatment, and phytoremediation. The localities in tropical Southern Taiwan would have a higher feed‐in tariff revenue (US$0.1750 kWh–1) due to a higher daily power generating efficiency from sunlight. The capital cost including the PV modules would be approximately US$27.1–US$440 million, but the 20‐year operation and maintenance costs would be much lower. The residual value of the PV systems would be significant (US$0.03–$4.7 million) if the systems are recycled at the end of their lifetime. The total revenues from building PV systems on remediated brownfields would be US$463 241–$7 597 138, with a payback period of less than 13 years. The benefit/cost ratios of the PV systems would be between 1.26 and 1.86 depending on the remediation costs. The payback period would be extended to 16 years with a US$0.61 million ha–1 net present value if the brownfields are remediated by phytoremediation. The sensitivity analysis found that the capital costs, feedback fund, and daily power generating efficiency would be US$343 097 for every 1% of the total revenue. It is worth building a PV system if the cost of land is higher than the net present value of the PV system.

Enhances of nearly zero-energy public buildings in regions with hot summers and cold winter

Nearly Zero-energy residential buildings have attracted widespread attention due to their superior energy-saving performance. In order to achieve a balance between energy production and demand in residential buildings, the application of renewable energy is essential. This paper optimizes typical zero-energy public buildings in hot summer and cold winter locales using the concepts of passive priority, active optimization, and 100% renewable energy supply guarantee. The importance of passive energy-saving techniques like heating, shading, and heat recovery; in accordance with local resource conditions; analysis of building renewable energy utilization systems like solar energy and air energy; and recommendation of the most technologically efficient building energy system. According to the simulation results, if the criteria for zero-energy buildings are met, the annual energy consumption index per unit area is 37.6 kWh/m2, and the 8.9 kW building photovoltaic system can generate 36.4 kWh/m2 of power annually.

Implementing solar photovoltaic systems in buildings: a case of systemic innovation in the construction sector

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the process of implementing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in construction to contribute to the understanding of systemic innovation in construction.Design/methodology/approachThe exploratory research presented is based on qualitative data collected in workshops and interviews with 76 construction- and solar-industry actors experienced in solar PV projects. Actor-specific barriers were identified and analysed using an abductive approach.FindingsIn light of established definitions of systemic innovation, the process of implementing solar PV systems in construction involves challenges regarding technical and material issues, competencies, and informal and formal institutions. The specificities of this case highlight the necessity of paying attention to details in the process and to develop knowledge of systemic innovation in construction since the industry’s involvement in addressing societal challenges related to the energy transition will require implementing such innovations much more in the future.Practical implicationsNew knowledge of solar PV systems as an innovation in professional construction is collected, enabling the adaptation of management strategies for its implementation. This knowledge can also be applied generally to other challenges encountered in highly systemic innovation implementation. Solar industry actors can gain an understanding of solar-specific challenges for the construction industry, challenges for which they must adapt their activities.Originality/valueThe exploration of actor-specific experiences of solar PV projects has resulted in a novel understanding of this specific innovation and its implementation. The findings illustrate a case of a high level of systemic innovation and the need to use a finer-grained scale for classification when studying innovation in construction.

Evaluation of solar radiation models on vertical surface for building photovoltaic applications in Beijing

Building photovoltaic (PV) may provide a growing share of electricity for big cities. However, lack of measured radiation data on vertical surface remains a critical problem for building PV deployment. With the development of urbanization and industrialization, high aerosol load is altering the nature of solar radiation in Beijing. Hence, ten in-plane solar radiation models are reviewed to choose optimal model for calculating solar radiation on vertical surface in such high turbidity area. At the same time, the effect of atmospheric turbidity on the model accuracy is revealed for further understanding on the optimal model. To give general suggestion on model selection, the performance of the ten models for each weather type is tested based on new method of weather type classification. Finally, solar resource on vertical surface and output energy of building PV system are evaluated by the optimal model to guide building PV deployment. The results indicate that Perez model is suitable to calculate solar radiation on vertical surface in high turbidity area. High atmosphere turbidity will cause Perez model inaccurate. Model selection can be made by the status of atmospheric transmittance. It is feasible to apply building PV in Beijing with AC output energy of 630–971 kWh/kWp/year.

A Techno-Economic Feasibility Analysis of Mono-Si and Poly-Si Photovoltaic Systems in the Rooftop Area of Commercial Building under the Feed-In Tariff Scheme

Hong Kong’s government has recently introduced the feed-in tariff scheme to promote the photovoltaic (PV) system as a promising way to address global warming. The feed-in tariff scheme depends on the type of the PV system and its installed capacity. This study aimed to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of mono-Si and poly-Si PV systems in the rooftop area of a commercial building, Pao Yue-Kong Library of Hong Kong, under the feed-in tariff scheme. The analysis was carried out in two phases: (i) technical analysis of the rooftop PV systems by considering the shading effect and solar radiation and (ii) economic feasibility of the rooftop PV systems under the feed-in tariff scheme from the life cycle perspective. The main findings of the case study can be summarized: (i) the rooftop area of the target building would not be significantly affected by surrounding buildings; (ii) the highest amount of solar radiation was estimated at 136.96 kWh/m2 in October, while the lowest value was 55.64 kWh/m2 in February; (iii) the total amount of module energy yield from the mono-Si PV system was estimated at 917.58 kWh/kW, indicating that it was very similar but a little bit lower (i.e., 0.48%) than that for the poly-Si PV system (i.e., 921.98 kWh/kW); and (iv) payback periods for mono-Si and poly-Si PV systems were estimated at 8.67 and 8.31 years, respectively. The feasibility study can contribute to providing facility managers with a practical guideline to determine the appropriate strategy in implementing the PV systems in buildings under the feed-in tariff scheme.

Management of Duhok Governorate Environment by Generating Sustainable Solutions Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems In Buildings Instead of Regular Electricity Environment Management and Techno Economic Evaluations

Population growth and increasing demand for energy have been causing severe environmental problems all over the world. This research is done to find a suitable management way to improve the environmental condition, develop sustainable and economical solutions. This study focused on using Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems for the first time in Duhok governorate, Iraq, due to the rapid growth in the governorate and the great demand for energy, and the high energy production costs. Four regions were chosen in Duhok governorate to install photovoltaic systems. The NASA database as a source for assessing solar energy potential were used. The results show that these areas have enormous potential and annual solar radiation to produce solar energy. The RET Screen expert evaluated the electricity production potential of PV systems. In addition, an economic study of 5kW capacity for grid-Connected rooftop PV projects was carried out in all selected regions. Depending on the financial results and indicators, Rooftop Photovoltaic Systems can be a sustainable and efficient solution to improve the environment and economically installable in the Duhok governorate.

Analysis and optimization of load matching in photovoltaic systems for zero energy buildings in different climate zones of China

Load matching is an inevitable problem that restricts the development of photovoltaic (PV) system used in buildings. The objective of this paper is to solve this problem by conducting a load matching assessment and optimization of PV system in different climate zones of China. The influences of the tilt angle, orientation, PV plot ratio and building height on the achievement of zero energy buildings (ZEBs) were evaluated. The PV potentials of roofs and facades were analyzed and optimized based on self-sufficiency and self-consumption. Net load variance and the maximum electricity import were employed as indices to evaluate the performance of PV systems in different climate zones of China. The results of the load matching assessment show that electricity generations from roof PV systems in low-rise buildings can meet most of the energy demand (at least 70%) in all climate zones of China. East and west facades of mid-rise buildings have an advantage over south façades in Kunming and Guangzhou in terms of load matching. It is necessary to combine roofs, south, east and west facades to meet the ZEBs requirement of for high-rise building. When the heating/cooling demand is dominant, the tilt angle should be higher/lower than the latitude of the specific location. This research will be helpful in designing building PV systems in different climate zones of China. Load matching analysis is helpful in designing building PV system in different climate zones of China. The results show that east and west facades of mid-rise buildings have an advantage over south façade in Kunming and Guangzhou. It is necessary to combine roof, south, east and west facades to meet the requirement of ZEBs for high-rise building. • Load matching with PV system were analyzed for zero energy buildings. • PV potential were investigated based on self-sufficiency and self-consumption. • The optimal combinations of PV system were obtained in different climate zones. • East and west facades have advantages over south façade in Kunming and Guangzhou.

Energy balance evaluation and optimization of photovoltaic systems for zero energy residential buildings in different climate zones of China

Abstract The application of a photovoltaic (PV) system for zero energy buildings is crucial to balance energy consumption. This paper investigated the potential of PV systems for buildings in different climate zones of China. The tilt angle, orientation, plot ratio, PV conversion efficiency and location were selected to study their influences on electricity production. The performance of the PV system was analyzed based on a residential building, and employed RETScreen in combination with TRNSYS. The results indicate that southwest China is the best place to develop zero energy buildings. Low-rise residential buildings can realize zero energy in China when the PV conversion efficiency is higher than 20%. However, an energy balance only occurs in the southwest when the PV conversion efficiency is 10%. For different building heights, with a high conversion efficiency (20%), the energy consumptions rates are less than 15 kW h/m2a all over China. In the southeast, the effect of the building shape on energy generation can be ignored due to the high solar elevation angle in the summer. Although the optimal tilt angle varies for different cities, the energy deviations are less than 10% when tilt angle is within 10° of the optimal angle. This study proposed a formula to evaluate the potential of a building PV system. The maximum difference between the simulated and calculated results is approximately 10%, which is reasonable and acceptable. This paper provides some references for the application of PV systems in zero energy buildings.

Study of Photovoltaics and LED Energy Efficiency: Case Study in Hungary

Photovoltaic (PV) energy and energy efficiency have an increasing role in global energy usage. This paper is a study of building photovoltaic systems (PVS) to modernize existing or developed street lighting systems in Hungarian villages of 900–1200 inhabitants. The objective of this study is to show the economic questions related to the investments in photovoltaic systems and light emitting diode (LED) street lighting developments under Hungarian regulations. With the help of this study, it may be possible to support local governments to use combined photovoltaic energy for street lighting developments. This article presents the Hungarian regulations regarding photovoltaic systems and shows why local governments are not able to connect their street lighting systems to photovoltaic systems. Three different investment alternatives for local governments are studied with the help of economic indicators. Our conclusion is that investments in photovoltaic street lighting systems can be profitable if a street lighting system already exists and requires no modernization. Under the current regulations of Hungary, the examined projects can be viable only to offset the energy costs of street lighting by the delivery price of electricity from the PVS.

Aesthetic perception of photovoltaic integration within new proposals for ecological architecture

Architecture has become an important field of research on the mitigation of climate change. The literature contains a number of environmental studies of buildings and energy efficiency improvements analysis. Important advances have also been made by integrating renewable energies within the building envelope. In architecture, however, it must be remembered that the formal aspect is as important as the functional one, and therefore rating the aesthetic perception of these new technologies is very interesting to better integrate more sustainable technologies in the city. This work focuses on the real opinion of the citizens about the aesthetic impact resulting from the use of photovoltaic systems in buildings. A survey was conducted using the Self-Assessment Manikin (SAM) to evaluate the feelings through two classic dimensions of affect: hedonic valence (pleasant-unpleasant) and arousal (activation or emotional intensity). Overall, results (error range of 5%) show that all the prototypes were rated positively and with a medium level of arousal, although the integrated systems obtained higher values in both dimensions of affect. The degree of appreciation of the installation by the observer has proved to be a powerful factor. On a socio-demographic level, respondents’ age was observed as an influential factor in these subjective evaluations.

Shedding Light on the Performance of Solar Panels

The significant adoption of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in both commercial and residential sectors has spurred an interest in monitoring the performance of these systems. This is facilitated by the increasing availability of regularly logged PV performance data in recent years. In this paper, we present a data-driven framework to systematically characterise the relationship between performance of an existing photovoltaic (PV) system and various environmental factors. We demonstrate the efficacy of our proposed framework by applying it to a PV generation dataset from a building located in northern Australia. We show how, in light of limited site-specific weather information, this data set may be coupled with publicly available data to yield rich insights on the performance of the building's PV system.

MUSEUM GEOLOGI DAN PRASEJARAH DI MAKASSAR DENGAN PENDEKATAN ARSITEKTUR HIGH TECH

Indonesia is rich geological resources consisting of rocks, minerals and minerals. Talking about the geology is very closely related to prehistoric times because of not finding written evidence from prehistoric times, the information concerning this age obtained through fields like paleontology, astronomy, biology, geology, anthropology, and archeology importance of preserving and maintaining prehistoric relics. So will foster a sense of responsibility to it. This is in line with the duties of the Directorate General of Culture Ministry of Education and Indonesian culture in its performance report which suggested that the remains of important historical remains preserved as a living lesson for the next generation. The research objective construct a conceptual foundation design of the design of the Museum of Geology and prehistory with high-tech architecture approach, applying double facade system, Ligth Pipe and photovoltaic systems in buildings, applying intelligent systems in utility buildings. This report is the result of designing buildings and prehistoric geological museum in Makassar with high-tech architecture approach.

Research on the Impact of Shadow on the Performance of Building Photovoltaic System

With the rapid development of world economy, the energy crisis has become one of the urgent problems to be solved. Photovoltaic technology is a green new energy industry, no pollution is widely used all over the world. Typically, for photovoltaic component installation, only considering the utilization of components support cost and area, and the arrangement of components have not given enough attention. Photovoltaic module in use process will inevitably encounter the shadow, the shadow changes to make appropriate adjustments to the PV module arrangement can enhance the power generation capacity. Effect of the shadow on the photovoltaic system performance can be effectively used for photovoltaic component to bring help, is of positive significance. This study analyzed the villa model typical, and the rectangular shadow is modeling, in order to analyze the influence on the photovoltaic component. Through the conclusion of this study can determine the horizontal and vertical components of photovoltaic components which caused little damage, and provide a reference for future research of shadow and photovoltaic system performance.

Research on Application of Building Photovoltaic System in Shanghai - Taking Chenjia Town as an Example

The goal of this paper is to discuss whether building photovoltaic systems are suitable to be applied in Shanghai and Chenjiazhen in Chongming Island is taken as a typical example to be researched. Practical running data tested from building photovoltaic system of Chenjia Town ecological building and planning design of Building Integrated PV in Chenjia Town international ecological community were analysed. The research result was positive to use this energy system. Therefore, when new buildings in similar areas are planned to be designed, the designers should pay more attention to the applicable possibility of Building Integrated PV, which is beneficial to boost the use of renewable energy.

Photovoltaic Design Integration at Battery Park City, New York

This paper is a study of the photovoltaic (PV) systems in the buildings’ design of the Battery Park City (BPC) residential development, in New York. The BPC development is the first in the US to mandate, through the 2000 Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) guidelines, the use of PV as a renewable energy generation system in its individual buildings. The scope of this study is to show how PV is integrated in the BPC buildings’ design process, and what can be learned for future PV applications. The study draws directly from the design decision making sources, investigating on the concerns and suggestions of the BPCA director of sustainability and the BPC architects and PV installers. It attempts to contrast a theoretical approach that sees PV as a technology to domesticate in architecture and bring, through grounded research, PV industry closer to the architectural design process. The findings of the study suggest that while stringent environmental mandates help, in the short term, to kick-start the use of PV systems in buildings, it is the recognition of the PV’s primary role as energy provider, its assimilation in the building industry, and its use in a less confining building program that allows for its evolution in architecture.

Simplified life‐cycle analysis of PV systems in buildings: present situation and future trends

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings shows several advantages compared to conventional PV power plants. The main objectives of the present study are the quantitative evaluation of the benefits of building-integrated PV systems over their entire life-cycle and the identification of best solutions to maximize their energy efficiency and CO2 mitigation potential. In order to achieve these objectives, a simplified life-cycle analysis (LCA) has been carried out. Firstly, a number of existing applications have been studied. Secondly, a parametric analysis of possible improvements in the balance-of-system (BOS) has been developed. Finally, the two steps have been combined with the analysis of crystalline silicon technologies. Results are reported in terms of several indicators: energy pay-back time, CO2 yield and specific CO2 emissions. The indicators show that the integration of PV systems in buildings clearly increases the environmental benefits of present PV technology. These benefits will further increase with future PV technologies. Future optimized PV roof-integrated systems are expected to have an energy pay-back time of around 1·5 years (1 year with heat recovery) and to save during their lifetime more than 20 times the amount of CO2 emitted during their manufacturing (34 times with heat recovery). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Simplified life-cycle analysis of PV systems in buildings: present situation and future trends

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) systems in buildings shows several advantages compared to conventional PV power plants. The main objectives of the present study are the quantitative evaluation of the benefits of building-integrated PV systems over their entire life-cycle and the identification of best solutions to maximize their energy efficiency and CO2 mitigation potential. In order to achieve these objectives, a simplified life-cycle analysis (LCA) has been carried out. Firstly, a number of existing applications have been studied. Secondly, a parametric analysis of possible improvements in the balance-of-system (BOS) has been developed. Finally, the two steps have been combined with the analysis of crystalline silicon technologies. Results are reported in terms of several indicators: energy pay-back time, CO2 yield and specific CO2 emissions. The indicators show that the integration of PV systems in buildings clearly increases the environmental benefits of present PV technology. These benefits will further increase with future PV technologies. Future optimized PV roof-integrated systems are expected to have an energy pay-back time of around 1·5 years (1 year with heat recovery) and to save during their lifetime more than 20 times the amount of CO2 emitted during their manufacturing (34 times with heat recovery). © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.