Study on the Energy Performance of Semi-Transparent PV FaÇades Under Continental Climate
Abstract
Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic panels (STPV) have become an important element in the building integration of photovoltaic panels (BIPV). STPV panels can be integrated on double skin facades (DSF) and insulating glazing units (IGU) acting as their exterior layer, generating electricity, controlling the solar heat gains and utilizing daylight. In addition, a mechanically ventilated DSF integrating STPV panels (DSF-PV), can cool down the PV panels, increase their efficiency but also use the preheated air to enhance the thermal efficiency of the mechanical system connected to the DSF-PV. Two virtually identical STPV are integrated on a DSF-PV and a IGU-PV respectively and their electrical performance is evaluated experimentally. Under the same exterior and interior conditions, it is found that the DSF-PV has a 3% greater electrical performance than the IGU-PV and if the cavity of the DSF-PV is selectively ventilated, the DSF-PV can generate more than 9% of electric power than the IGU-PV.