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Comparison of theoretical and real energy yield of direct DC-power usage of a Photovoltaic Façade system

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  • Abawi, Y.
  • Rennhofer, M.
  • Berger, K.
  • Wascher, H.
  • Aichinger, M.

Abstract

Multifunctional façade components have nowadays become a significant research topic as a step towards developing energy-efficient buildings. This paper presents the performance evaluation of an experimental setup of a real fully decentralized façade-integrated photovoltaic (PV) system installed in a prototype façade, for direct DC power use. The goal of this evaluation was to test the system's ability to fulfill a pre-designed daily electrical load of 925Wh corresponding to a three-people office space under 100% decentralization. This was achieved by studying the operation under different weather conditions and the impact of the system design and components on its overall output. The evaluation of both the actual and theoretical system outputs indicates poor actual system performance in terms of low energy yield and unacceptable load fulfillment factor, which did not exceed 0.95. At the same time it revealed underutilized system potential which could be exploited theoretically with a proper system configuration. The results in this paper conclude that decentralized façade integrated PV systems can completely satisfy their designated applications if properly-designed and implemented, and provides a methodology which could be used in designing similar systems. Satisfactory fulfillment is shown to be achieved by having 30% additional PV and 9 times bigger storage capacities in this system.

Suggested Citation

  • Abawi, Y. & Rennhofer, M. & Berger, K. & Wascher, H. & Aichinger, M., 2016. "Comparison of theoretical and real energy yield of direct DC-power usage of a Photovoltaic Façade system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 616-626.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:89:y:2016:i:c:p:616-626
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2015.12.033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thomas, Brinda A. & Azevedo, Inês L. & Morgan, Granger, 2012. "Edison Revisited: Should we use DC circuits for lighting in commercial buildings?," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 399-411.
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