A critical review on building integrated photovoltaic products and their applications

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Abstract

The development of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology and its implementation in construction of the building envelop provide an aesthetical, economical and technical solutions. This paper presents the-state-of-the-art of the building envelope products and their properties along with international standards and test conditions. BIPV products for roofs, façades and skylights have been highlighted in this paper. The properties of BIPV products include solar cell efficiency, open circuit voltage, short circuit current, maximum power and fill factor. The sustainability of BIPV modules has been reviewed in this article by life cycle assessment (LCA) by studying EPBT periods and GHG emission rate. Research on new materials and technology, and government subsidy makes the future of BIPV industry more promising. The major considerations for a successful BIPV project are proper orientation of BIPV module, suitable distance between buildings, avoidance of shadow effects and suitable architectural considerations. Accurate orientation of PV module at different locations can be established by different anisotropic model and optimization techniques in conjunction with shadow effects. Provisions of replacement facilities of BIPV Products in the building structures are another important considerations as the efficiency of BIPV products are continuously improving because of continuous research and development. BIPV technology is a sustainable and the future of this technology is promising as it creates zero emission buildings.

Introduction

A large global emission of carbon dioxide gas (CO2) is pushing the world into dangerous conditions. Because of industrial revolutions, carbon emission from burning fossil fuels has grown exponentially. By the end of the year 2030, the total emission of CO2 is expected to exceed 10 billion tons [1]. Moreover, because of the sharp increase of fossil fuel prices and concern about global warming, there is a trend of wide acceptance of the power supply to consider more and more on renewable energy sources in many parts of the world [2]. Currently there are different ways to relieve the challenge of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, such as system energy efficiency enhancement [3], various energy storage options for energy saving for the user side with renewable energy [4], [5], [6], [7], and carbon capture and storage [8], etc. The European commission has set a target of achieving 20% of the total energy budget from renewable sources by the year 2020 [9]. This would stabilize the greenhouse gas emission, thus reducing the contribution to global warming. Among all the renewable resources, solar energy is the most abundant, inexhaustible and clean one [10]. The world׳s present power requirement is nearly 15 Tera Watt (15×1012W) i.e. 104 times smaller than solar power incident on the planet. It is estimated that the solar energy received within less than one hour would be sufficient to cover one year of world energy budget [11].

Photovoltaic technology is one of the elegant technologies available for the efficient use of solar power. In future scope for PV application, there are four major factors must be considered viz. cost reduction, increase of efficiency, BIPV applications and storage system [12]. BIPV technology transforms building from energy consumer to energy producer [13]. In this advancement, construction technology is required to be merged with BIPV technology for better performance [14]. Here, the photovoltaic modules become true construction element serving as building exteriors, such as roof, façade or skylight [15]. The BIPV also serves as weather protection, thermal insulation, noise protection, etc. BIPV semitransparent installation allows some of the light for day lighting or viewing. Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are gaining popularity because of lack of ground space and large availability of unused roof space. The dead load of the roof system can be reduced by fixing flexible, thin film and a-Si PV modules into highly reflected PVC carrier sheet, which is then field bonded to an energy star-rated PVC roof membrane. The BIPV technology reduces the total building material costs and mounting costs, since BIPVs do not required brackets and rails [16]. BIPV system generates electricity out of sunlight with no pollutions. For an efficient BIPV system, various factors must be taken into account such as PV module temperature, partial shadowing, installation angle and orientations etc. Posnansky et al. [17] elaborated on new BIPV electricity construction materials for roofs and façades resulting low cost production of electricity, which generates new employment. Beneman et al. [18] discussed on different BIPV modules and different BIPV projects. In their studies, they expected that the BIPV market shall grow with high rate in near future. Mallick et al. [19] experimentally carried out a comparison study between non-concentrating and asymmetric compound parabolic concentrating building integrated photovoltaic. Chemisana Daniel [20] investigated on building integrated concentrating photovoltaics and presented different advantages over conventional flat panel devices. Concentric photovoltaics (CPV) is efficient in higher electrical conversion, better use of space and economical. Quesada et al. [21] extensively reviewed on transparent and translucent solar façades. It was dealt with façades that absorb and reflect the incident solar radiation but do not transfer directly solar heat gain into the building. Jelle et al. [22] reviewed about all type of BIPV products available in the market. The author discussed about the future research opportunities of BIPV market, which can be improved in near future regarding both device and manufacturing efficiency. Jelle et al. [23] discussed regarding the research opportunities of fenestration of BIPV products. Jelle and Breivik [24] summarized the current state-of-the-art of BIPVs including BIPV foil, tile, module and solar cell glazing products. BIPV offers an aesthetical, economical and technical solution to integrate solar cells harvesting solar radiation to produce electricity within the climate envelopes of buildings. Jelle et al. [25] described the BIPV as a powerful and versatile tool for achieving the ever increasing demand of zero energy and zero emission buildings of the near future. This offers an esthetic, economical and technical solution to integrate solar cells producing electricity within the climate envelopes of buildings. Midtdal and Jelle [26] reviewed about the self-cleaning glazing products and investigated methods for measuring the self-cleaning effect. They presented self cleaning products from several manufacturers that discussed two different self-cleaning technologies i.e. photo-catalytic hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Touati et al. [27] studied the effect of dust, relative humidity and temperature on solar PV performance in Doha. They compared mono-crystalline with amorphous PV cells. Cerón et al. [28] analyzed the-state-of-the-art of PV elements and construction materials which are advertised as BIPV products by the most important companies in the world.

BIPV installation is increasing every year. The designers and architects are using BIPV products with innovative methods whereas, manufacturers continue to create new products to meet the market requirements. Some companies, such as Sanyo, Schott solar, Sharp and Sun-tech are working on new BIPV products for façades, skylights and windows. Implementation of Feed-in Tariff (FiT) and other government support schemes for solar energy have caused wide acceptance throughout the world [29]. Western Europe has the largest market of BIPV products and recently there is a significant growth in Eastern Europe. Within next five years, there may be wide acceptance of BIPV in other parts of the world i.e. Asia Pacific, Latin America and South Africa. There is a challenge for solar industry in Unites States. However, the U.S government has given greater attention for growth of BIPV market.

Suitable architectural design in BIPV system is required to be implemented, which enhances the esthetic of building system as well as efficiency of BIPV products. Hagemann [30] studied about the architectural considerations for BIPV. It was observed that integration of BIPV into the building system can meet the goal of creating esthetically and technically pleasing building systems. Pagliaro et al. [14] studied the market trend of BIPV in construction industry. It was observed that during last 5 years there is a significant growth of BIPV market as the BIPV technology is improved during this period. Peng et al. [15] investigated the BIPV in architectural design in China. The authors concluded that function, cost, technology and esthetics of BIPV should be considered rather than solely the high integration. The authors also suggested that because of development of technology and growth of markets, photovoltaic structures and design should be focused on the maintenance and replacement of photovoltaic cell modules, rather than extending their lives.

The objective of the present investigation is to give an overview of different BIPV products, their sustainability and test conditions for long term durability. Tables with ample of information are given about the manufacturer of the products, name of the products, properties and its performances. Few open spaces in the table are because of lack of information of the product properties and this may be a reminder for both manufacturer and user. Review of life cycle assessment of different PV system is another objective of this study. EPBT period and GHG emission rate have been tabulated for five types of common PV systems i.e., mono-crystalline (mono-Si), multi crystalline (multi-Si), amorphous silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride thin film (CdTe) and copper indium selenide thin film (CIS). Lastly, an updated status of research and application of many computational methods for evaluation of optimum tilt angle have been discussed. This review paper is organized as follows: Section 2 discusses about PV technologies and its performances. Details of different BIPV products have been presented in Section 3. Section 4 highlights about optimum tilt angle of BIPV products and design of mounting structures. Future research scope and conclusions are given in 5 Future research scopes, 6 Conclusions, respectively.

Section snippets

PV technology

There are two basic commercial PV module technologies available in the market today i.e. crystalline solar cell and thin-film solar cell. Their characteristics that affect their implementation in BIPV applications are briefly presented here.

Definition of different parameters of building integrated photovoltaic products

The properties of different BIPV products are defined as follows:

  • Open circuit voltage (Voc): It is the output voltage of a solar cell or solar module in open-circuit condition at a specific irradiance (E) and cell temperature.

  • Short circuit current (Isc): It is the current in a short circuit solar cell or solar module.

  • Peak power (Pmax): Maximum output power of a solar cell or solar module at a specific insolation and solar cell temperaturePmax=Vmax×Imax

  • Solar cell efficiency (ηcell): It is the

Tilt angle of BIPV products and design of mounting structures

Orientation of BIPV systems is one of the key parameters for receiving maximum solar radiations. As the orientation of BIPV systems depends on path of sun, accurate determination of optimum tilt angle is essential for producing maximum solar energy. Many researchers [90], [91], [92], [93], [94], [95], [96], [97], [98], [99] have established the relation between optimum tilt angle and latitude, which are adopted by solar module installers for many locations. However, more accurate optimum tilt

Future research scopes

Many BIPV products can achieve higher efficiency with new materials and solution for BIPVs. The new innovations [123], [124] are (i) Low cost organic based modules (ii) Implementation of light trapping schemes for increasing efficient organic solar cells (iii) flexible inorganic thin film solar cells etc. Polymer based solar cells (organic photovoltaic) have a better future as commercial devices and are to be used in various BIPVs [125]. About new technology, dye-sensitized solar cells (DSC)

Conclusions

Following are the conclusions drawn from the present extensive review work on BIPV products and their technology.

  • Large varieties of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) products are listed in different tabular form, which are used as different components of the buildings i.e., flat roof, pitch roof, curved roof, façades, skylight, etc. Among all the products, foil products are more flexible and large range of applications. Glazing products have a great esthetical look.

  • BIPV systems can be

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