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Developing a method and simulation model for evaluating the overall energy performance of a ventilated semi‐transparent photovoltaic double‐skin facade
Author(s) -
Peng Jinqing,
Curcija Dragan C.,
Lu Lin,
Selkowitz Stephen E.,
Yang Hongxing,
Mitchell Robin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
progress in photovoltaics: research and applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.286
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1099-159X
pISSN - 1062-7995
DOI - 10.1002/pip.2727
Subject(s) - facade , photovoltaic system , daylighting , building energy simulation , simulation , building integrated photovoltaics , solar simulator , automotive engineering , simulation software , sensitivity (control systems) , computer science , environmental science , efficient energy use , energy performance , software , engineering , electronic engineering , structural engineering , electrical engineering , programming language , architectural engineering
A comprehensive simulation model has been developed in this paper to simulate the overall energy performance of an amorphous silicon (a‐Si) based photovoltaic double‐skin facade (PV‐DSF). The methodology and the model simulation procedure are presented in detail. To simulate the overall energy performance, the airflow network model, daylighting model, and the Sandia Array Performance Model in the EnergyPlus software were adopted to simultaneously simulate the thermal, daylighting, and dynamic power output performances of the PV‐DSF. The interaction effects between thermal, daylighting, and the power output performances of the PV‐DSF were reasonably well modeled by coupling the energy generation, heat‐transfer, and optical models. Simulation results were compared with measured data from an outdoor test facility in Hong Kong in which the PV‐DSF performance was measured. The model validation work showed that most of the simulated results agreed very well with the measured data except for a modest overestimation of heat gains in the afternoons. In particular, the root‐mean‐square error between the simulated monthly AC energy output and the measured quantity was only 2.47%. The validation results indicate that the simulation model developed in this study can accurately simulate the overall energy performance of the semi‐transparent PV‐DSF. This model can, therefore, be an effective tool for carrying out optimum design and sensitivity analyses for PV‐DSFs in different climate zones. The methodology developed in this paper also provides a useful reference and starting point for the modeling of other kinds of semi‐transparent thin‐film PV windows or facades. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.