Experimental Study of a PV Blinds Glazed Solar Chimney Assisted with DC Fan for Hot Water Production

This paper present the results of experimental investigation of the thermal performance of a PV blinds glazed solar chimney wall (PV-GSCHW) assisted with DC fan aimed for ventilation, hot water production and indoor heat accumulation reduction. Performances are compared to a single glass window (SG) installed at the south facade of a small house with a volume of 4.05 m3. The SC dimensions were as follows: 1.0 m x 0.50 m x 0.006 m. and. The PV-GSCHW consisted of double glass panes; 0.60 m height and 0.50 m width. The external and internal panes were clear glass 0.006 m thick. Five PV blinds (0.48m wide x 0.17m) connected in series were integrated in the 0.08 m gap between the two glass panes giving a maximum electrical power output of 52.5W. There is an outside opening to exhaust hot air to the ambient. The generated electrical current was connected to a direct current axial fan (12Vx0.18A) to increase indoor ventilation. The painted black pipes; 50 cm long and 0.01 m diameter, holding approximately 10 litters of water were installed behind the PV slats in order to heat the water. The experimentation was conducted under the hot climate of Bangkok, Thailand. The PV-GSCHW was integrated in the south façade of a small house of the same volume as the SC window. The experimental results revealed that indoor temperature of the PV blinds-GSCHW room was lower than the SG room. The PV-GSCHW can generate sufficient electrical current and achieve high ventilation rate, produce hot water and reduce heat from sunlight significantly. Due to these advantages, the PV blinds-GSCHW is recommended to be integrated in buildings and houses to promote sustainable buildings and save energy.