Semi-transparent BIPV/T System's synergistic operation with air treatment for electricity generation and complementary cold-heat utilization: Assessment of energy and daylight performance

Yayun Tang, Chengyan Zhang, Jie Ji and Hao Xie

Applied Energy, 2025, vol. 383, issue C, No S0306261925000285

Abstract: The integration of photovoltaic (PV) modules into building designs not only enhances architectural aesthetics but also promotes sustainable electricity generation. However, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems face several challenges, including suboptimal efficiency, waste heat underutilization, glare, and the energy-intensive nature of air-conditioning systems. This study tackles these challenges through the synergistic operation of a semi-transparent BIPV/T curtain wall (CW) system with air treatment processes, aiming to enhance the thermal, electrical, and daylighting performance of buildings. The methodology combines the development of thermal and electrical models based on energy balance equations with an optical model employing ray-tracing principles. These models are implemented in a dynamic co-simulation environment that integrates Matlab, TRNSYS, and DesignBuilder, accounting for real-time climatic variations. A case study compares the performance of the proposed system with a conventional standalone BIPV system and air-conditioning operation. The innovative system design improves PV cooling through active ventilation, reduces reheat loads by utilizing exhaust air, and captures excess heat from the PV CW for space heating. Furthermore, it effectively balances daylight utilization with indoor visual comfort. The results indicate that the hybrid system reduces the PV operating temperature by up to 9.03 °C, enhancing electricity generation by 90.34 Wh/day in summer and 97.29 Wh/day in winter. Annually, the system contributes 5530.87 kWh of electricity while the building's total energy demand for HVAC and lighting amounts to 16,380.49 kWh. The synergistic approach not only boosts electricity generation by 14.39 kWh (0.26 %) but also reduces overall building energy consumption by 1399.73 kWh (7.87 %). Moreover, it improves economic viability, generating an additional 8976.84 CNY in life-cycle profits. These advantages demonstrate the potential of integrating BIPV and HVAC systems to advance sustainable and energy-efficient building design.

Keywords: Ventilated PV façade; Heat recovery; Building energy efficiency; Co-simulation; Discomfort glare (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125298

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