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Thermal behavior of a novel type see-through glazing system with integrated PV cells

Han, J., Lu, L. and Yang, H.
2009
Building and Environment, 44(10): 2129-2136
Convective heat transfer; Fluid flow; Glazing system; Semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV); Building integration

Han, J., Lu, L. and Yang, H., (2009), "Thermal behavior of a novel type see-through glazing system with integrated PV cells", Building and Environment, 44(10): 2129-2136.
Abstract:
Steady natural convective airflow in a novel type glazing system with integrated semi-transparent photovoltaic (PV) cells has been analyzed numerically using a stream function vorticity formulation. Based on the resulting numerical predictions, the effects of Rayleigh numbers on airflow patterns and local heat transfer coefficients on vertical glazing surfaces were investigated for Rayleigh numbers in the range of 103 <= Ra <= 2 x 105. Significant agreement for the Nusselt numbers was observed between numerical simulation results in this study and those of earlier experimental and theoretical results available from the literature. In addition, the effect of air gap thickness in the cavity on the heat transfer through the cavity is evaluated. The optimum thickness of the air layer in this research is found to be in the range of 60-80 mm. This novel glazing system type could not only generate electricity but also achieve potential energy savings by reducing the air conditioning cooling load when applied in subtropical climatic conditions and simultaneously provide visual comfort in the indoor environment.

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Author Information and Other Publications Notes
Han, J.
  1. Effect of fluid flow and packing factor on energy performance of a wall-mounted hybrid photovoltaic/water-heating collector system
  2. Investigation on the annual thermal performance of a photovoltaic wall mounted on a multi-layer fa?ade,  
Lu, L.
  1. Investigation on the annual thermal performance of a photovoltaic wall mounted on a multi-layer fa?ade,
  2. Overall energy performance of semi-transparent single-glazed photovoltaic (PV) window for a typical office in Hong Kong
  3. Review on life cycle assessment of energy payback and greenhouse gas emission of solar photovoltaic systems, 2013  
Yang, H.
  1. Analysis of microbial contamination of a ventilation system detected by measurement of microbial volatile organic compounds
  2. Impacts of the shading-type building-integrated photovoltaic claddings on electricity generation and cooling load component through shaded windows
  3. Investigation on the annual thermal performance of a photovoltaic wall mounted on a multi-layer fa?ade,
  4. Review on life cycle assessment of energy payback and greenhouse gas emission of solar photovoltaic systems, 2013
  5. Study on thermal performance of semi-transparent building-integrated photovoltaic glazings  


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