The building has a very low annual energy consumption target of 85 kWh/m2, which is 60% to 80% lower than a normal air-conditioned office. Between 25% and 33% of the electrical power requirements will be provided by the 646 m2, 73,1 kWp PV array which is integrated to the building's angular, inclined south façade.
The PV system uses 352 Saint Gobain Solaglas modules in a variety of design to suit the size, shape and internal shading requirement of the building. The multicrystalline silicon modules, which use a glass/glass cell encapsulation to permit a degree of light infiltration back onto the double-glazed façade, are specially designed by Schûco. The whole façade forms a three-storey atrium enclosing a thermal buffer zone between the main entrance and the internal office spaces.
System performance is being monitored continuously with data relayed to touch screen displays in the atrium. Initial data show the system will achieve the design annual production target of 55 000 kWh.
Information
- David Lloyd-Jones
Studio E Architects, United Kingdom
Fax: +44 1711 381 4995 - In section case studies:
Solar Office Doxford International, United Kingdom
| • | Location: Doxford, NE England |
| • | Installed: March 1998 |
| • | System: grid-connected, a.c. system |
| • | System design: 73 kWp fully integrated modules in 4 subarrays |
| • | PV modules: Novel double-glazed modules (U value = 1,2 W/m2k) reduce heat loss through façade |
| • | Inverters: 2 x 35 Wp + 2 x 0,85 kWp string inverters |
| • | Annual electricity production: 55 000 kWh (estimated) expected to meet 25-33% of total consumption |
| • | Information: David Lloyd-Jones, Studio E Architects, Fax: +44 1711 381 4995 |