A group of researchers in China has developed a new design for vacuum integrated photovoltaic (VPV) curtain walls, which they claim can efficiently combine PV power generation and thermal insulation for the building.
Can vacuum integrated photovoltaic curtain walls reduce energy consumption?
Scientists in China have outlined a new system architecture for vacuum integrated photovoltaic (VPV) curtain walls. They claim the new design can reduce building energy consumption and yield more surplus power generation electricity.
What is photovoltaic curtain wall?
Photovoltaic Curtain Wall generates energy in the building implementing solar control by filtering effect, avoiding infrared and UV irradiation to the interior.
What is a PV curtain wall?
The PV curtain wall is the most typical one in the integrated application of PV building. It combines PV power generation technology with curtain wall technology, which uses special resin materials to insert solar cells between glass materials and convert solar energy into electricity through the panels for use by enterprises.
At present, crystalline silicon solar cells and amorphous silicon solar cells are mainly used in photovoltaic curtain wall (roofing) systems. Photovoltaic glass modules have different color effects depending on the type of product used.
βFor the first time, a multi-function partitioned design method for PV curtain walls was proposed, which aims at reconciling the competing demand of different functions of PV curtain walls such as daylight, view, and power generation,β the research's lead author, Jinqing Peng, told pv magazine.
Do VPV curtain walls save energy?
According to the literature review, VPV curtain walls exhibit significant potential for energy savings owing to their excellent thermal insulation performance . Furthermore, the shading effect of PV cells can alleviate discomfort glare and enhance occupants' visual comfort .