Building Integrated Photovoltaic Test Facility*

2001 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty
Keyword(s):  
Building Envelope ◽  
Meteorological Station ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Manufacturing Costs ◽  
Experimental Performance ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic ◽  
The U.S

The widespread use of building integrated photovoltaics appears likely as a result of the continuing decline in photovoltaic manufacturing costs, the relative ease in which photovoltaics can be incorporated within the building envelope, and the fact that buildings account for over 40% of the U.S. energy consumption. However, designers, architects, installers, and consumers need more information and analysis tools in order to judge the merits of building-integrated solar photovoltaic products. In an effort to add to the knowledge base, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has undertaken a multiple-year project to collect high quality experimental performance data. The data will be used to validate computer models for building integrated photovoltaics and, where necessary, to develop algorithms that may be incorporated within these models. This paper describes the facilities that have been constructed to assist in this effort. The facilities include a mobile tracking photovoltaic test facility, a building integrated photovoltaic test bed, an outdoor aging rack, and a meteorological station.

Measured Versus Predicted Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

Solar Energy ◽  
2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W. Davis ◽  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Silicon Film ◽  
Rear Surface ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Photovoltaic Panels ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Curve Tracer ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic

The lack of predictive performance tools creates a barrier to the widespread use of building integrated photovoltaic panels. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) “test bed” to capture experimental data that can be used to improve and validate previously developed computer simulation tools. Twelve months of performance data have been collected for building integrated photovoltaic panels using four different cell technologies – crystalline, polycrystalline, silicon film, and triple-junction amorphous. Two panels using each cell technology were present, one without any insulation attached to its rear surface and one with insulation having a nominal thermal resistance value of 3.5 m2·K/W attached to its rear surface. The performance data associated with these eight panels, along with meteorological data, were compared to the predictions of a photovoltaic model developed jointly by Maui Solar Software and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), which is implemented in their IV Curve Tracer software [1]. The evaluation of the predictive performance tools was done in the interest of refining the tools to provide BIPV system designers with a reliable source for economic evaluation and system sizing.

scholarly journals The Contribution of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) to the Concept of Nearly Zero-Energy Cities in Europe: Potential and Challenges Ahead

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (19) ◽  
pp. 6015
Author(s):  
Hassan Gholami ◽  
Harald Nils Røstvik ◽  
Koen Steemers
Keyword(s):  
Electricity Consumption ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Surface Area Ratio ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Life Challenges ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic ◽  
Barriers And Challenges ◽  
The Eu

The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the contributions of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems to the notion of nearly zero-energy cities in the capitals of the European Union member states (EU), Norway, and Switzerland. Moreover, an in-depth investigation of the barriers and challenges ahead of the widespread rollout of BIPV technology is undertaken. This study investigates the scalability of the nearly zero-energy concept using BIPV technology in moving from individual buildings to entire cities. This study provide a metric for architects and urban planners that can be used to assess how much of the energy consumed by buildings in Europe could be supplied by BIPV systems when installed as building envelope materials on the outer skins of buildings. The results illustrate that by 2030, when buildings in the EU become more energy-efficient and the efficiency of BIPV systems will have improved considerably, BIPV envelope materials will be a reasonable option for building skins and will help in achieving nearly zero-energy cities. This study reveals that in the EU, taking a building skin to building net surface area ratio of 0.78 and a building skin glazing ratio of 30%, buildings could cover their electricity consumption using BIPV systems by 2030. Eighteen challenges and barriers to the extensive rollout of BIPV systems are recognised, classified, and discussed in this study in detail. The challenges are categorised into five stages, namely the decision, design, implementation, operation and maintenance, and end of life challenges.

Measured Versus Predicted Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaics

2003 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W. Davis ◽  
A. Hunter Fanney ◽  
Brian P. Dougherty
Keyword(s):  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Silicon Film ◽  
Rear Surface ◽  
Predictive Performance ◽  
Performance Data ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Photovoltaic Panels ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Curve Tracer ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic

The lack of predictive performance tools creates a barrier to the widespread use of building integrated photovoltaic panels. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has created a building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) test bed to capture experimental data that can be used to improve and validate previously developed computer simulation tools. Twelve months of performance data have been collected for building integrated photovoltaic panels using four different cell technologies—crystalline, polycrystalline, silicon film, and triple-junction amorphous. Two panels using each cell technology were present, one without any insulation attached to its rear surface and one with insulation having a nominal thermal resistance value of 3.5m2s˙K/W attached to its rear surface. The performance data associated with these eight panels, along with meteorological data, were compared to the predictions of a photovoltaic model developed jointly by Maui Solar Software and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), which is implemented in their IV Curve Tracer software [1]. The evaluation of the predictive performance tools was done in the interest of refining the tools to provide BIPV system designers with a reliable source for economic evaluation and system sizing.

Solar Photovoltaic Installation Cost Reduction through Building Integrated Photovoltaics in Ghana.

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 106-111
Author(s):  
Kwabena Abrokwa Gyimah
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Solar Photovoltaic ◽  
Solar Pv ◽  
Setup Cost ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Cost Offset ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic ◽  
The World ◽  
Energy Options ◽  
The Cost

The growth and use of photovoltaic (PV) cannot be disputed as the world craves for cleaner energy options. Energy demandsalso keep on rising and buildings alone contribute about 40% of energy use in the world. This means that even if the worldshifts completely to cleaner energy options, buildings will still demand more energy and therefore sustainable energy sourcesfor buildings should be encouraged. Again, the initial setup cost of fossil fuel energy is lower than renewable energy. To makerenewable energy attractive, cheaper setup cost should be achieved and this can be done by a cost offset through buildingelement replacement by PV. This means the use of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) is of high potential for financialoffset than Building Applied Photovoltaic (BAPV). Quantitative data was gathered on roofing sheets cost and solar integrationinto roof cost. The average cost of roofing sheets for an area of 24m2 roof spaces is $2,160.00 and the cost of integrating asolar PV on that same space is $9,600.00. The cost of constructing the space with roofing sheets is used to offset the cost ofinstalling the solar PV to reduce it to $7,440.00. Autodesk Ecotect software was used to know the energy generated from roofintegration of solar and this is 16,512kWh. This energy generated is converted to monetary value of $3,302.00 per year. Thebreakeven time after offset reduction is approximately 2 years 6 months due to monetary returns on the solar PV.

scholarly journals State-of-the-Art Review on the Energy Performance of Semi-Transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaic across a Range of Different Climatic and Environmental Conditions

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3412
Author(s):  
Reza Khalifeeh ◽  
Hameed Alrashidi ◽  
Nazmi Sellami ◽  
Tapas Mallick ◽  
Walid Issa
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Energy Losses ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic ◽  
Innovative Solutions ◽  
Building Components ◽  
System Properties

Semi-transparent Building Integrated Photovoltaics provide a fresh approach to the renewable energy sector, combining the potential of energy generation with aesthetically pleasing, multi-functional building components. Employing a range of technologies, they can be integrated into the envelope of the building in different ways, for instance, as a key element of the roofing or façade in urban areas. Energy performance, measured by their ability to produce electrical power, at the same time as delivering thermal and optical efficiencies, is not only impacted by the system properties, but also by a variety of climatic and environmental factors. The analytical framework laid out in this paper can be employed to critically analyse the most efficient solution for a specific location; however, it is not always possible to mitigate energy losses, using commercially available materials. For this reason, a brief overview of new concept devices is provided, outlining the way in which they mitigate energy losses and providing innovative solutions for a sustainable energy future.

scholarly journals Design and experimental performance verification of a thermal property test-bed for lunar drilling exploration

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 1455-1468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tao Zhang ◽  
Zeng Zhao ◽  
Shuting Liu ◽  
Jinglin Li ◽  
Xilun Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Property ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Performance Verification ◽  
Experimental Performance

A Reconfigureable Passive Solar Test Facility

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian S. Robinson ◽  
M. Keith Sharp
Keyword(s):  
Heat Pipe ◽  
Side Wall ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Weather Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Pipe System ◽  
South Wall ◽  
Passive Solar

A 12′ by 24′ passive solar test building has been constructed on the campus of the University of Louisville. The building envelope is comprised of structural insulated panels (SIPs), 12″ thick, (R-value of 45 ft2F/Btu) for the floor and walls and 16″ (R-63) for the roof. The building is divided into two symmetrical rooms with a 12″ SIPs wall separating the rooms. All joints between panels are caulked to reduce infiltration. Each room contains one window (R-9) on the north side wall, and two windows (also R-9) facing south for ventilation and daylighting, but which will also provide some direct gain heating. The south wall of each room features an opening that will accommodate a passive solar heating system so that performance of two systems can be compared side-by-side. The overhang above the south openings is purposely left short to accommodate an awning to provide adjustable shading. The calculated loss coefficient (UA) for each room of the building is 6.07 W/K. Each room is also equipped with a data acquisition system consisting on an SCXI 1600 16 bit digitizer and an SCXI 1102B isolation amplifier with an SCXI 1303 thermocouple module. Pyranometers are placed on the south wall and the clerestory wall to measure insolation on the solar apertures. For initial tests, one room is equipped with an original heat pipe system previously tested in another building, while the other is equipped with a modified heat pipe system. Changes to the modified system include copper absorbers versus aluminum, an adiabatic section constructed of considerably less thermally-conductive DPM rubber than the copper used for the original design, and one of the five condenser sections of the heat pipes is exposed directly to the room air to provide early-morning heating. Experimental results will be compared to simulations with as-built building characteristics and actual weather data. Previous simulations with a load to collector ratio of 10 W/m2K, a defined room comfort temperature range between 65°F to 75°F, and TMY3 weather data for Louisville, KY, showed that the modified heat pipe wall design improves annual solar fraction by 16% relative to the original design.

Test Facility for Screening and Evaluating Candidate Materials for Advanced Microturbine Recuperators

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Lara-Curzio ◽  
P. J. Maziasz ◽  
B. A. Pint ◽  
Matt Stewart ◽  
Doug Hamrin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surface Temperature ◽  
Mechanical Stress ◽  
Accelerated Testing ◽  
Test Facility ◽  
Test Bed ◽  
Central Piece ◽  
Stress Environment

A test facility for screening and evaluating candidate materials for advanced microturbine recuperators is described. The central piece of the test facility is a modified 60 kW Capstone microturbine that serves as a test bed for subjecting test specimens to conditions of stress, environment and temperature that are representative of those experienced by the recuperator during microturbine operation. Special provisions have been incorporated into the design of this test facility for controlling the magnitude of the applied mechanical stress and the surface temperature of the test specimens with the objective of carrying out accelerated testing. Candidate materials for evaluation in this test facility are identified.

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