Work

Performance Analysis of Novel Lightweight Photovoltaic Curtain Wall Modules Under Different Climatic Conditions

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Due to limited roof area, photovoltaic (PV) has gradually been installed on other facades of buildings. This research investigates the practical application of a lightweight PV curtain wall. We use EnergyPlus to build a base office building model of fit with a lightweight PV curtain wall. The performance of two typical lightweight PV curtain wall modules is evaluated in five sample Chinese cities of different climates. Simulations were carried out to determine the power generation of faux architectural material PV curtain wall modules (FAM PVCWMs) for the best cavity distance per facade in various cities. We discovered that, in Harbin, Beijing, and Shanghai, the capacity of PV curtain wall modules installed on the south facade is the best, while in Chengdu and Guangzhou, it is the west facade. We also analyzed the power generation and the impact on the indoor environment when installing semi-transparent PV curtain wall modules (ST PVCWMs). Compared with glass, the ST PVCWM’s power generation increased by at least 50%, while the glare index setpoint exceeded time reduced by at least 30.19%. Furthermore, when installed on the north facade of Chengdu and similar cities, it can ensure more than 50% of daylight indexed time and create a more favorable indoor environment.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18010038

Authors: Guofeng Tao, Qunzhi Zhu, Yonggang Chen, Xiaolong Shi, Jun Guan

Institutions: Shanghai University of Electric Power, China Huadian Corporation (China)

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,955