Identification of barriers to the building integrated photovoltaic design process as applied to curtain-wall
Sozer, H.
2002 Thesis, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology,
Sozer, H., (2002), "Identification of barriers to the building integrated photovoltaic design process as applied to curtain-wall", Thesis, Ph.D., Illinois Institute of Technology,.
Abstract:
The use of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic (PV) modules, is increasing all around the world mainly for two reasons: the negative environmental impacts of the use of fossil fuels in energy conversion, and the increasing costs of non renewable energy consumption. Also, there is an increasing interest in sustainable, or environmentally-compatible building design. Renewable energy resources, particularly Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, are very popular components of sustainable design. Even though there are many examples of BIPV in the world, integration within the building processes has not been clearly defined at this point. This lack of definition makes this technology application more expensive and complicated than it is supposed to be. The challenge is how to make this new technology easily applicable to a large variety of building types and spread this promising technology for users.
In this research, the barriers encountered within the architectural design process have been identified for the first time. The strategy of overcoming these barriers has also been developed. LCCA is used to calculate the payback period and to gauge the sensitivity of these parameters by reducing that period. Another important outcome of this research is the description of the various technical collaborations that must occur between different professions. It is expected that the undefined above mentioned barriers cause a gap between PV technology and the architectural design process. This study provides a linkage between the PV technology, professionals and the building owner/user. It also helps to realize expectations of each professional group and minimize unforeseen failure. The long-term objective is the satisfaction of the building owner/user. To reach that goal, it is essential that professionals communicate their results and modify their activities to achieve the project's goals.
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