The solar skin combines two contemporary building concepts; the use of double façades in renovation projects, and building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). The double façade is effectively a glass wall attached to the outside of the existing building envelope, separated by an air gap of 0,8 m. Thermal performance is similar to a glazed atrium; the cavity creates a buffer zone which reduces heat loss from the main façade, while harnessing winter solar gains to reduce the building heating load. The cavity can be cooled during summer through ports at the top and bottom of the secondary skin which induce stack-effect ventilation.
The PV cells are encapsulated in clear glass modules, which in turn are installed in the outer wall. The semi-transparent modules enable natural lighting to be taken advantage of, while the air gap between the two skins ensures that the modules are well ventilated to maximize their efficiency.
The façade will be monitored for at least one year to evaluate electrical and thermal performance. The data will be used to optimize simulation models for future double- skin PV systems.
Contact:
- Øyvind Aschehoug, NTNU
Fax: +47 73 59 50 45
| • | Location: Trondheim, Norway |
| • | Installed: June 2000 |
| • | Façade: Retro-fitted secondary façade |
| • | Total façade area: 455 m2 |
| • | Modules: BP Solar glass-glass encapsulated cells |
| • | Total array generation capacity: 16 kWp |
| • | PV module area: 192 m2 |
| • | PV cell net area: 102 m2 |
| • | Cavity width: 0,8 m |