scholarly journals Feasibility Study of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) as a Building Envelope Material in Europe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Gholami
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Transition ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Electricity Production ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic ◽  
Envelope Material

Buildings play a vital role as regards the energy efficiency of urban areas since they are responsible for a significant portion of the energy demand of urban areas. In Europe, building energy use accounts for 41% of the total energy consumption of the cities [1]. Urban energy transition has recently come about by intensifying the endeavour towards promoting distributed or decentralised energy generation (DG) and realign the energy production and consumption of buildings. One of the leading solutions which can be of great assistance to contribute towards such an approach is building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. BIPV is a PV system on the building skin serving as both a building envelope material and a power generator. An alternative that is not covered here is PV systems nearly – in the landscape or garden. There is a tendency currently in the market to use BIPV systems in the part of the building skins with the highest incident solar radiation and, therefore, higher electricity production as an output. These areas in the northern hemisphere are roof and south façade. However, employing other facades and areas of building skins also results in many advantages. The possibility to achieve zero energy buildings (ZEB) or even plus energy building goals, using different facades and orientations of buildings to have a distributed electricity generation during the day, and the system's contribution in reinforcing the energy performance of the building skin are some advantages. To place PV modules so that they deliver energy when the energy need in the building is highest is also of importance as it reduces the need for storage. Therefore, this thesis focuses on building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) and their feasibility as a building envelope material in Europe. The main research question is defined as follows: Is the BIPV system as an alternative for the more usual building envelope materials feasible for the entire skin of buildings in Europe? The goal is to investigate the technical and economic aspects of such a solution in two steps. Finally, the project seeks to briefly discover the potential and challenges of such a solution in the energy transition of cities. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies are employed in this project, and most of the analyses are based on the data obtained from the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System (PVGIS) and the Surface Solar Radiation Data Set - Heliosat (SARAH) dataset. The results are expected to help the end-users, architects and urban planners to acknowledge the BIPV system as a suitable option for the building skins in Europe and steer governments or decision-makers to promote the technology by rational subsidies and incentives (where it is needed). This can contribute towards making cities as well as more rural areas into “power stations”.

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 Energy Performance of a High-Rise Residential Building Using Fibre-Reinforced Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 4489
Author(s):  
Zakaria Che Muda ◽  
Payam Shafigh ◽  
Norhayati Binti Mahyuddin ◽  
Samad M.E. Sepasgozar ◽  
Salmia Beddu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Residential Building ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Lightweight Aggregate ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Lightweight Aggregate Concrete ◽  
Aggregate Concrete ◽  
High Rise ◽  
Passive Design ◽  
Envelope Material

The increasing need for eco-friendly green building and creative passive design technology in response to climatic change and global warming issues will continue. However, the need to preserve and sustain the natural environment is also crucial. A building envelope plays a pivotal role in areas where the greatest heat and energy loss often occur. Investment for the passive design aspect of building envelopes is essential to address CO 2 emission. This research aims to explore the suitability of using integral-monolithic structural insulation fibre-reinforced lightweight aggregate concrete (LWAC) without additional insulation as a building envelope material in a high-rise residential building in the different climatic zones of the world. Polypropylene and steel fibres in different dosages were used in a structural grade expanded clay lightweight aggregate concrete. Physical and thermal properties of fibre reinforced structural LWAC, normal weight concrete (NWC) and bricks were measured in the lab. The Autodesk@Revit-GBS simulation program was implemented to simulate the energy consumption of a 29-storey residential building with shear wall structural system using the proposed fibre-reinforced LWAC materials. Results showed that energy savings between 3.2% and 14.8% were incurred in buildings using the fibre-reinforced LWAC across various climatic regions as compared with traditional NWC and sand-cement brick and clay brick walls. In conclusion, fibre-reinforced LWAC in hot-humid tropical and temperate Mediterranean climates meet the certified Green Building Index (GBI) requirements of less than 150 kW∙h∙m−2. However, in extreme climatic conditions of sub-arctic and hot semi-arid desert climates, a thicker wall or additional insulation is required to meet the certified green building requirements. Hence, the energy-saving measure is influenced largely by the use of fibre-reinforced LWAC as a building envelope material rather than because of building orientation.

Estimate of Energy Performance Indicator of Existing Single-Family Houses in Bosnia and Herzegovina

2020 ◽  
pp. 244-260
Author(s):  
Darija Gajić ◽  
Erdin Salihović ◽  
Nermina Zagora
Keyword(s):  
Bosnia And Herzegovina ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Existing Building ◽  
Statistical Estimates ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Collective Housing

Yielding from an overall quantitative study of the residential sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), this chapter concentrates on the ratio between single-family and collective housing, as well as on the urban-rural ratio of the single-family housing. Based on the data from the existing building stock (buildings built by 2014) and the statistical estimates, 23% of the buildings belong to the urban areas and 77% belong to the rural areas. The main goal was to study the correlation between the characteristics of the building envelope, the shape factor (A/V ratio) and the energy savings potential for the application of conventional measures of refurbishment of the building envelope of the single-family houses (type of buildings, which dominate in rural and urban areas). The chapter wraps up with recommendations for the adequate level of the energy performance indicator (energy need for heating) for the approved energy class for single-family houses located in the climate zone of the northern B&H.

scholarly journals A Review of the Energy Performance and Life-Cycle Assessment of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems

Energies ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 3157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiantian Zhang ◽  
Meng Wang ◽  
Hongxing Yang
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle Assessment ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emission ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Research Progress ◽  
Technical Solution ◽  
Renewable Energy Resources ◽  
Solar Energy Harvesting ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic

Building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology provides an aesthetical, economic, and technical solution for electricity self-sufficiency in buildings. As one of the most promising technologies for solar energy harvesting in urban areas, BIPV technology provides multiple benefits for buildings, including power generation from renewable energy resources, the replacement of traditional wall cladding, daytime lighting, heating/cooling load reduction, etc. This paper systematically reviews the progress of recent research on the electrical, thermal, optical, and overall energy performances of BIPV systems. Furthermore, based on the literature review on the energy payback time and the greenhouse-gas emission of various BIPV technologies, the research progress of the life-cycle assessment of BIPV systems is also discussed. It is anticipated that the review results can provide meaningful reference and support for the research and development of BIPV technology.

scholarly journals The Effect of Climate on the Solar Radiation Components on Building Skins and Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) Materials

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (7) ◽  
pp. 1847
Author(s):  
Hassan Gholami ◽  
Harald Nils Røstvik
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Diffuse Radiation ◽  
Incident Radiation ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Ir Radiation ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Envelope Material ◽  
Stable Performance ◽  
The Impact

The business model of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is developing expeditiously and BIPV will soon be recognised as a building envelope material for the entire building skins, among other alternatives such as brick, wood, stone, metals, etc. This paper investigates the effect of climate on the solar radiation components on building skins and BIPV materials in the northern hemisphere. The selected cities are Stavanger in Norway, Bern in Switzerland, Rome in Italy, and Dubai in the UAE. The study showed that for all the studied climates, the average incident radiation on the entire building skins is slightly more than the average incident radiation on the east or west facades, regardless of the orientations of the building facades. Furthermore, the correlation between solar radiation components and different BIPV technologies is discussed in this paper. It is also found that when it comes to the efficiency of different BIPV cells, the impact of the climate on some of the BIPV technologies (such as DSC and OSC) is much more significant than others (such as c-Si, mc-Si and CIGS). The evidence from this study suggests that in climates with higher diffuse radiation-or with more overcast days per year-the contribution of IR radiation decreases. Therefore, the efficiency of BIPV materials that their spectral responses are dependent on the IR radiation (like Si and CIGS) in such a climate would drop down meaningfully. On the other hand, the DSC and OSC solar cells could be a good option for cloudy climates since they have more stable performance, even in such a climate. Although, their efficiency compared to other BIPV materials such as Si-based BIPV solar cells is still significantly less thus far.

Measurement and Calculation of Luminous Characteristics of Photovoltaic Glazing Samples

2016 ◽  
Vol 824 ◽  
pp. 724-731
Author(s):  
Paulína Šujanová ◽  
Jozef Hraška
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Amorphous Silicon ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Performance Characteristics ◽  
Silicon Solar Cells ◽  
Visual Comfort ◽  
Combined Approach ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaic

Photovoltaic glazing is a relatively novel type of glazing material, suitable for application in nearly-zero energy buildings. As a special type of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV), it generates energy from solar radiation and ensures the performance characteristics of building envelope. This paper presents a combined approach of evaluation of luminous characteristics of glazing based on photopic and circadian action spectra. Measurements were performed on 6 photovoltaic glazing samples with amorphous silicon solar cells. The samples differ in type of spacing and rear glazing colour. The results have shown that PV glazing with coloured glazing should be used with caution, especially in rooms with high daylighting requirements. Obtained results can be used during designing process to evaluate impact of PV glazing on visual comfort.

scholarly journals Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in Europe, Rational Feed-In Tariffs and Subsidies

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (9) ◽  
pp. 2531
Author(s):  
Hassan Gholami ◽  
Harald Nils Røstvik
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Selling Price ◽  
Cost Of Electricity ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Generation Cost ◽  
Envelope Material ◽  
The Cost

Building integrated photovoltaics is one of the key technologies when it comes to electricity generation in buildings, districts or urban areas. However, the potential of building façades for the BIPV system, especially in urban areas, is often neglected. Façade-mounted building integrated photovoltaics could contribute to supply the energy demand of buildings in dense urban areas with economic feasibility where the availability of suitable rooftop areas is low. This paper deals with the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) of building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) in the capitals of all the European member state countries plus Norway and Switzerland and presents a metric to investigate a proper subsidy or incentive for BIPV systems. The results showed that the average LCOE of the BIPV system as a building envelope material for the entire outer skin of buildings in Europe is equal to 0.09 Euro per kWh if its role as the power generator is considered in the economic calculations. This value will be 0.15 Euro per kWh if the cost corresponding to its double function in the building is taken into the economic analysis (while the average electricity price is 0.18 Euro per kWh). The results indicate that the BIPV generation cost in most case studies has already reached grid parity. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that on average in Europe, the BIPV system does not need a feed-in tariff if the selling price to the grid is equal to the purchasing price from the grid. Various incentive plans based on the buying/selling price of electricity from/to the main grid together with LCOE of the BIPV systems is also investigated.

scholarly journals The Influence of Immediate Urban Surroundings on Energy Performance of Historical Buildings

10.29007/ghfx ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Onur Dursun ◽  
Feyza Durmuslar ◽  
Duhan Olmez
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Historical Buildings ◽  
Humid Climate ◽  
Numerical Result ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Hot Humid Climate ◽  
Thermal Simulations

High-density urban areas contain large number of historical buildings whose structures and artistic values are protected by regulations. This restricts the improvements can be made to building envelope to reduce energy demand of historical buildings. Therefore, immediate urban surroundings (IUS) may play a central role on energy performance of historical buildings (EPHB). Yet, literature has provided little or no evidence, so far. To address the gap, the current experimental inquiry aims to test the significance of IUS’s influence on the EPHB. To achieve, historical structure in hot- humid climate was selected and surveyed thoroughly. Control and intervention cases were considered to measure the influence IUS. The control case corresponds to the former state of IUS; whereas the intervention described as the IUS which includes a recently built office block with reflective glass façade. The numerical result obtained from computational thermal simulations were used for comparison. Accordingly, the increase in heating demand substantially surpassed the decrease in cooling demand for the case under study. Therefore, a significant increase in total energy demand was observed in the presence of intervention. In addition, the energy performance of the individual volumes located in the lower floors presented higher fluctuations due to intervention’s shading effect.

scholarly journals A GIS Open Source Software application for mapping solar energy resources in urban areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 ◽  
pp. 00060
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Pietras-Szewczyk
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Solar Energy ◽  
Open Source ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Energy Resources ◽  
Geographical Information ◽  
Software Module ◽  
The Real

This paper presents the development of an open source geographical information system (GIS) software module for mapping solar energy resources for urban areas. The main goal of this work is to demonstrate the potential use of the r.sun module, a component of GRASS software, in calculating real solar radiation for urban areas. Modelling of the spatial distribution of solar radiation is one of the program functions. The r.sun module is dedicated for that purpose; however, it can only generate the spatial distribution of potential solar radiation. To get the real solar radiation maps it is advisable to use meteorological data, that describe diminution of solar radiation caused by cloud cover. In order to facilitate the generation of maps a GRASS source code modification was made. As a result, the r.sun module used in this work generates the real spatial distribution of solar radiation. The results are shown to be comparable with solar radiation satellite data obtained from the HelioClim project.

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