Concepts for heat utilization and passive cooling techniques to improve reliability and performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articleScientificpeer-review

56 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

When integrated into urban environments, photovoltaic (PV) systems usually present operational temperatures that are significantly higher than those shown by rack-mounted systems. High operating temperatures are associated with reduced reliability of PV modules and significantly impact the electrical performance of solar cells. Utilizing the heat produced on PV modules or reducing operating temperatures can bolster their application within the building sector. We present the three main concepts studied to achieve these goals. First, a PV is a chimney concept that allows the use of the heat generated by the modules. Simulations for a PV chimney installed on a building in the Netherlands showed that although the heat quality produced inside its cavity was low, the potential use of the air mass flow for ventilation applications is promising. Additionally, we present two passive cooling solutions that can reduce the operating temperatures of PV modules: Optical filters and phase change materials. Experimental measurements in Delft showed that these solutions reduce the operating temperature of PV modules between 4 °C to 20 °C, particularly under high irradiance hours.

Original languageEnglish
Article number012002
Number of pages9
JournalIOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
Volume1085
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
EventSBE 2022 Delft Conference on Innovations for the Urban Energy Transition: Preparing for the European Renovation Wave - Delft, Netherlands
Duration: 11 Nov 202213 Nov 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Concepts for heat utilization and passive cooling techniques to improve reliability and performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this