Search Results (7)

The high summer temperatures of PV (photovoltaic) glass curtain walls lead to reduced power generation performance of PV modules and increased indoor temperatures. To address this issue, this study constructed a test platform for planted photovoltaic glass curtain walls to investigate the effect of plants on their power generation performance. The study’s results indicate the following: (1) reducing the average surface temperature of the surface temperature measurement instrument for the photovoltaic glass curtain wall by 13.6 °C can increase its average power generation capacity by 76 w, demonstrating its power generation performance; (2) plant cultivation influences the micro-environmental temperature on the surface temperature of the photovoltaic glass curtain wall, resulting in a decrease in average micro-environmental temperature by 3.2 °C and average surface temperature by 10.1 °C; (3) compared to traditional PV glass curtain walls, the planted PV glass curtain wall increases cumulative PV power generation output by 21.5 kWh over 15 days and average daily power generation output by 1.4 kWh. Furthermore, during sunny weather with high temperatures, the PV power generation output of the planted PV glass curtain wall is significantly enhanced. Full article

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. Full article

Photovoltaic double-skin glass is a low-carbon energy-saving curtain wall system that uses ventilation heat exchange and airflow regulation to reduce heat gain and generate a portion of electricity. By developing a theoretical model of the ventilated photovoltaic curtain wall system and conducting numerical simulations, this study analyzes the variation patterns of the power generation efficiency of photovoltaic glass for different inclination angles, seasons, thermal ventilation spacing, and glass transmittance in the photovoltaic double-skin curtain wall system. The results indicate a positive correlation between the surface temperature of photovoltaic glass and both ground temperature and solar radiation intensity. Additionally, photovoltaic power generation efficiency is generally higher in spring and autumn than in summer and winter, with enhanced power generation performance observed. At an inclination angle of 40°, photovoltaic panels receive optimal solar radiation and, consequently, produce the maximum electricity. Furthermore, as the ventilation spacing increases, the efficiency of power generation initially rises, reaching a peak at approximately 0.4 m, where it is 0.4% greater than at a spacing of 0.012 m. For a photovoltaic glass transmittance of 40%, the highest photovoltaic power generation efficiency is 63%, while the average efficiency is 35.3%. This has significant implications for the application and promotion of photovoltaic double-skin glass curtain walls. Full article

Curtain wall systems stand out as a pivotal domain within the construction sector’s endeavors towards energy efficiency and carbon mitigation. To refine the evaluation framework for carbon emissions within this industry, this paper explores the calculation and assessment method for building curtain walls. The article first reviews the current research status regarding carbon emissions from materials and the impact of curtain walls on buildings in the operational stage. Based on lifecycle theory, the carbon emissions from building curtain walls are divided into six stages: material acquisition, processing and production, installation and construction, transportation, use and maintenance, and dismantling. On this basis, this paper proposes a method for calculating carbon emissions from building curtain walls. Following that, a case study is conducted using a specific glass curtain wall project for illustrative analysis. The results indicate that the carbon emissions from the material acquisition stage constitute approximately 90% of the total, serving as the primary source of carbon emissions for glass curtain walls. Furthermore, the scientific application of photovoltaics can significantly reduce the carbon emission levels of building curtain walls. Finally, an analysis was conducted on the current issues existing in the evaluation of carbon emissions. Full article

The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving global carbon neutrality. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of photovoltaic curtain walls in building models and analyze their impact on carbon emissions in order to find the best adaptation method that combines economy and carbon reduction. Through a carbon emissions calculation and economic analysis of replacing photovoltaic curtain walls on a large public building in Zhenjiang, China, the results showed that after replacing glass curtain walls with photovoltaic curtain walls, the carbon emissions during the construction operation stage decreased by 30.74%, but the carbon emissions during the production and transportation stage of building materials increased by 10.48%. The carbon emissions throughout the entire life cycle of the building have been reduced by 20.99%. This indicates that photovoltaic curtain wall technology has the potential to reduce building carbon emissions. Further promoting the development of production technology and sales routes for photovoltaic curtain walls and accelerating the improvement of carbon trading systems can further improve the carbon emission reduction effect of buildings. This study provides practical reference for public buildings in similar areas and guidance for reducing carbon emissions in the future. Full article

We report on the field testing datasets and performance evaluation results obtained from a commercial property-based visually-clear solar window installation site in Perth-Australia. This installation was fitted into a refurbished shopping center entrance porch and showcases the potential of glass curtain wall-based solar energy harvesting in built environments. In particular, we focus on photovoltaic (PV) performance characteristics such as the electric power output, specific yield, day-to-day consistency of peak output power, and the amounts of energy generated and stored daily. The dependencies of the generated electric power and stored energy on multiple environmental and geometric parameters are also studied. An overview of the current and future application potential of high-transparency, visually-clear solar window-based curtain wall installations suitable for practical building integration is provided. Full article

In this paper, a full-color photovoltaic (PV) module, called the artist PV module, is developed by laser processes. A full-color image source is printed on the back of a protective glass using an inkjet printer, and a brightened grayscale mask is used to precisely define regions on the module where colors need to be revealed. Artist PV modules with 1.1 × 1.4 m² area have high a retaining power output of 139 W and an aesthetic appearance making them more competitive than other building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products. Furthermore, the installation of artist PV modules as curtain walls without metal frames is also demonstrated. This type of installation offers an aesthetic advantage by introducing supporting fittings, originating from the field of glass technology. Hence, this paper is expected to elevate BIPV modules to an art form and generate research interests in developing more functional PV modules. Full article