Experimental Investigation of Thermal Enhancements for a Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal Curtain Wall
Abstract
Building integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) systems provide a cost-effective way of incorporating solar technologies on buildings for the generation of electricity and useful heat, by replacing common building materials. Air-based systems are generally better suited for large façade or roof installations, they are however, less efficient in extracting heat from the PV due to the thermo-physical properties of air and therefore need enhancements for their thermal performance. This study investigates ways of enhancing air-based Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) systems, focusing on the use of multiple-inlets and presents the development and initial testing of a BIPV/T curtain wall prototype. The testing of the prototype showed superior performance for the double-inlet versus the single-inlet configuration, thermally (up to 18% higher thermal output), lower peak PV temperatures (reduced by up to 3.6oC) and a marginal increase in electrical output due to enhanced cooling.