Performance evaluation of a building integrated semitransparent photovoltaic thermal system for roof and façade

In this paper, analytical expressions have been derived for room air temperature of building integrated semitransparent photovoltaic thermal (BISPVT) and building integrated opaque photovoltaic thermal (BIOPVT) systems each integrated to the roof of a room with and without air duct. Comparative studies have also been carried out between BISPVT and BIOPVT system each integrated to the façade and roof of a room with and without air duct for the cold climatic conditions of Srinagar, India. However, the present thermal model is also valid for different climatic conditions. It is observed that there are maximum (18.0 °C) and minimum (2.3 °C) rise in room air temperature for semitransparent photovoltaic thermal (SPVT) roof without air duct and opaque photovoltaic thermal (OPVT) façade with air duct respectively. Further, on the basis of sensitive analysis, it is also observed that increase of air mass flow rate (0.85–10 kg/s) through duct increases the room air temperature from 9.4 to 15.2 °C for SPVT roof for a given climatic and design parameters.

► Semitransparent/opaque PV modules are integrated on façade and roof of a building.
► Room temperature is higher in semitransparent than opaque PV.
► Maximum room air temperature of 22.0 °C is achieved in BISPVT system for roof.