Energy Matrices of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal Systems: Case Study

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt has been made to study and analyze the integration of residential buildings with photovoltaic (PV) systems. PV panels can be integrated with buildings in various ways (façades, double skin façades, sunshades, rooftops, skylights, etc.), which not only helps in the generation of electricity but also produces thermal heat and daylight. Further, it adds to the aesthetic appeal of the building. More than one-third of the global energy requirement is dedicated to the building sector. About 23% of the total electricity demand accounts for the residential buildings. Integration of a PV system is necessary because it replaces the conventional building materials and at the same time acts as an energy generator to make the building self-sustainable. This reduces the building’s energy demand on the conventional grid and the overall emission of greenhouse gases. It has been found that integration of a semitransparent PV module integrated with the roof at Sodha Bers Complex (SBC) for composite climate at Varanasi, India, provided electrical energy, thermal energy (space heating and domestic hot water heating), and day lighting. The energy payback time (EPBT), energy production factor (EPF), and lifecycle conversion efficiency (LCCE) for ΔT = 8°C and average daily solar radiation = 450 W/m2 was obtained as 15.32 years, 19.58 years (for 300 years), and 0.47 years (for 300 years), respectively.