A report on the development of systematic approach and methodology to optimise the design of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal (BIPVT) systems for existing buildings, with a view to lowering cost and improving the value proposition of BIPV.
Report extract
The project objective was to broaden the value proposition of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems through an enhanced understanding of the performance and optimal design of BIPV systems with added thermal functionality, i.e. Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal (BIPVT) systems.
In BIPVT systems some of the heat absorbed by the BIPV panels when they are exposed to sunlight is captured and then distributed for use as space heating or for other purposes. This process also results in cooling of the BIPV modules, which improves their electrical conversion efficiency.
BIPVT systems can also provide night time space cooling, as a result of radiative cooling of the BIPV panels to the night sky.