Analyses of innovative glass blocks for BIPV: assessment of thermal and optical performance

Abstract

This paper illustrates the results of the performance analyses conducted on an innovative glass block integrated with thirdgeneration\ud dye-sensitised solar cells (DSCs), designed to enable the construction of translucent and sustainable building\ud envelopes.\ud The analyses include the simulation of both thermal and optical performance with regard to different configurations of\ud the photovoltaic (PV)-integrated glass block, and the results obtained are presented using two different programs:\ud Comsol Multiphysics and WINDOW. The configurations may differ – for example, because of the position of the module\ud inside the glass block, the type of DSC module used (composition, transparency, design) and the features of the glass block\ud itself.\ud Different combinations in terms of thermal insulation, light transmission and estimated PV production are discussed. The\ud position of the DSC module within the glass block has a significant impact on the thermal and electrical performance of the\ud product, but not on its optical behaviour, which instead depends on the type of module used.\ud The aim of the study is to define some optimum combinations according to the different needs of active building facades\ud and requirements related to diversified climate contexts

Mechanical Tests on Innovative BIPV Façade Components for Energy, Seismic, and Aesthetic Renovation of High-Rise Buildings

“…Therefore, they can be used for the construction of sustainable building envelopes in high-rise buildings and for the retrofit of multistory buildings located in seismic areas. They are able to guarantee different levels of thermal transmittance, according to the climatic conditions, which allows it to reach the benchmark U value of 1.0 W/sqmK [10] thanks to a patented "thermal belt" made of plastic ( Figure 1a). The 3D glass sub-components are also integrated with solar cells that are transparent, colored (Figure 1b), and able to produce clean energy even under a cloudy sky without requiring any specific installation conditions.…”