Building integrated photovoltaics : a case study

Abstract

With EU2030 clean energy targets right around the corner and most low-rise traditional buildings have installed roof-mounted photovoltaics over the years we are running out space and options to meet the targets. For high-rise buildings which have a small roof area when compared to the total internal floor area the installation of façade building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) would significantly increase the generation of clean energy hence reducing the carbon footprint of such buildings. The downsides of façade-mounted BIPVs is that they are susceptible to lower levels of irradiance and shading from surrounding buildings. In this dissertation a case study of a high-rise building with integrated façade building applied photovoltaics (BAPV) and BIPVs were studied under different modelled conditions. The conditions which were modelled include the irradiance striking each face of the building under standard conditions and under partial shading conditions, a number of fundamental BIPV characteristics and finally different types of installations used in the interconnection of BIPV arrays such as string inverters and micro-inverters. The different module interconnection models were then simulated under partial shading conditions and compared in order to evaluate which installation would provide the best energy yield at the highest efficiency. Several MATLAB Simulink models consisting of a string inverter interconnection and a micro-inverter interconnection of eighteen PV modules were developed and compared with the results obtained from the PVSITES software. Using both software packages the monthly and annual production were evaluated and compared. Different sections of the NW and SW facades of the building were also simulated. Finally using PVSITES the impact of surrounding high-rise buildings was studied to determine whether it is viable to install BIPVS under certain conditions.