Thermal and electrical performance of an integrated PV-PCM system in double skin façades: A numerical study

The adoption of a PCM layer in the DSF cavity, in combination with a semi-transparent PV layer, leads to a reduction in the monthly cooling energy demand in the 20-30% range. This result is particularly relevant for hot climates - where cooling loads are seen throughout the year. The improvement in terms of heating load in more cold-dominated locations is limited. The smoothing of the PV module temperature leads to an increase in the electrical energy converted by the PV, with peak values of improvement in the range of 5-8% when the DSF is equipped with the PCM-PV configuration. Ventilation strategies of the façade cavity, coupled with the correct selection of PCM (and of its transition-phase temperature range), are the key aspects to ensure effective management of the proposed technology.