Comparative Performance of Semi-Transparent PV Modules and Electrochromic Windows for Improving Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Nuria Martín-Chivelet, Cecilia Guillén, Juan Francisco Trigo, José Herrero, Juan José Pérez and Faustino Chenlo
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Nuria Martín-Chivelet: CIEMAT—Building Integrated Photovoltaics Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Cecilia Guillén: CIEMAT—Polycrystalline Materials Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Juan Francisco Trigo: CIEMAT—Polycrystalline Materials Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
José Herrero: CIEMAT—Polycrystalline Materials Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Juan José Pérez: CIEMAT—Building Integrated Photovoltaics Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Faustino Chenlo: CIEMAT—Building Integrated Photovoltaics Group, Avda. Complutense, 40, 28040 Madrid, Spain

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 6, 1-12

Abstract: Advanced constructive materials, such as electrochromic smart windows (ECSWs) and building integrated photovoltaics modules (BIPV), can improve the energy efficiency in buildings. A good optical and thermal characterization of these elements is necessary to assess and compare their performance. The existing testing procedures for glass in buildings are applied to both types of elements, and it is considered that while the optical procedures are suitable and allow good comparison of the two technologies, the indoor thermal testing procedures are not valid for BIPV nor ECSWs, because temperature of these absorbing elements strongly depend on the irradiance, something not considered in the current standards. To show and characterize this dependence, simultaneously monitoring of different photovoltaics (PV) modules and electrochromic windows has been performed outdoors under solar irradiance. A relationship between the surface temperature, the irradiance, and the ambient temperature has been obtained for each sample to compare both technologies.

Keywords: building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV); semi-transparent photovoltaic module; smart window; electrochromic smart window; building energy efficiency; building element characterization (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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