Energy-Saving Potential of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic Technology Applied to a Library in Changsha, China

Genqiang Xian, Zhiyin Duan (), Keqin Shan and Xuelin Dong
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Genqiang Xian: Beijing Key Lab of Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Zhiyin Duan: Beijing Key Lab of Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Keqin Shan: Beijing Key Lab of Heating, Gas Supply, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Engineering, Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Beijing 100044, China
Xuelin Dong: Key Laboratory of Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, China

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-21

Abstract: With the increasing number of public buildings worldwide, their energy consumption has garnered significant attention. This study aims to promote building energy efficiency and emission reduction by exploring the application of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic technology in library retrofitting. Using a library in Changsha City as a case study, we conducted an energy consumption analysis of the building’s envelope and identified the window section as the highest energy consumer. We proposed a novel improvement scheme—the sun-shading photovoltaic panel (which shades the sun while generating electricity). Additionally, we utilized the roof space for the installation of conventional photovoltaic panels. Simultaneously, the primary objective of this paper was to derive a renovation strategy for public buildings in regions characterized by high summer temperatures and low winter temperatures based on the renovation case of this library. This paper comprehensively investigates the length and angle of sun-shading photovoltaic panels facing different directions, as well as the azimuth angle, tilt angle, and installation spacing of the conventional photovoltaic panels on the roof. Two retrofitting schemes were proposed. Through simulation and comparison, the second scheme was found to reduce the annual electricity consumption by 1,233,354 kWh, achieving a 35.4% decrease compared to the original building. Using the Changsha library as a template for public buildings, this study provided a retrofitting approach with Building-Integrated Photovoltaic technology via DesignBuilder, which could be extended to other geographic locations. The results demonstrated the significant energy-saving effects of the proposed retrofitting scheme.

Keywords: BIPV; optimal design; building energy simulation; energy saving; DesignBuilder (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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