Definition and requirements for BIPV solutions
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Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are construction materials and components that include solar photovoltaic (PV) cells. Current standards agree that a PV module or system must have (at least) dual functionality as a power generator and a building component to qualify as building integrated photovoltaics, according to the IEA PVPS Task 15 Report on "International definitions of BIPV" [1]. To be classified as BIPV under various standards such as EN or IEC -1:, the BIPV element must perform one or more additional functions in addition to generating electricity. Among others, and most notably:
PV modules' inherent electro-technical qualities, such as antenna function, power production, and electromagnetic shielding, do not qualify them for building integration.
This indicates that a BIPV device is part of the building envelope and, once installed, cannot be removed without affecting the operation of the structure. In such an instance, it would have to be replaced with another building element that served the same purpose. BIPV parts are combined to form BIPV systems. It is worth mentioning that a BIPV system may be constructed using standard solar PV modules. Indeed, if properly placed and supplemented with particular accessories, the latter may perform the duties of building components such as water tightness and noise reduction. Such a low-cost setup would only need minor technological changes, such as the use of frameless PV modules or a particular mounting technique.
BIPV components can be utilized to remodel existing structures or to construct new ones. However, in the case of new buildings, there are fewer limits, or at least the project's features should be more adaptable. Furthermore, by incorporating the selection of BIPV from the beginning of the project development process (i.e. the design phase), the system's integration is easier.
Country-specific criteria for BIPV
The IEA PVPS Task 15 Report on "International definitions of BIPV" [1] outlines how many national financing programs use the same broad criteria to define BIPV as in the standards described above, but that some of them are more specific and include more examples. These definitions exist because certain authorities have encouraged or supported the installation of BIPV systems by providing more favorable support scheme conditions than for traditional PV installations. It should be noted that, although these requirements remain, BIPV systems no longer benefit from specific restrictions when compared to other distributed PV systems.
The French definition includes particular geometric criteria for PV system construction integration. The Italian definition of a BIPV module restricts its conceivable and practical usage to architectural applications. To define BIPV, the Italian definition includes the element of "a specific building product, a single and indivisible unit, which is commercially identifiable and certified in compliance with technical requirements." In Spain, permissible relative losses in annual electricity yield due to incident BIPVBOOST D9.2 Regulatory framework for BIPV 10 Grant Agreement [2] radiation level and shading are used to differentiate expectations on BIPV, BAPV, and "general" PV installations, in addition to dual-functionality criteria.
Then, with a few exceptions, research programs and projects relate to "BIPV" terminology equivalent to those of contemporary standards. For example, the description of IEA-SHC Task 41 clearly includes the idea of "formal (aesthetic) integration," which is typically thought to be outside the scope of technical standards and recommendations that provide the foundation for specifications. Almost all known definitions include the "dual functioning" of producing power and serving as a construction component.
General definition of Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)
Taking all of the findings above into consideration, and according to the results of the IEA PVPS Task 15 report, the following definitions are proposed as a basis of common understanding regarding BIPV standards:
&#;A BIPV module is a PV module and a construction product together, designed to be a component of the building. A BIPV product is the smallest (electrically and mechanically) non-divisible photovoltaic unit in a BIPV system which retains building-related functionality. If the BIPV product is dismounted, it would have to be replaced by an appropriate construction product.&#;
&#;A BIPV system is a photovoltaic system in which the PV modules satisfy the definition above for BIPV products. It includes the electrical components needed to connect the PV modules to external AC or DC circuits and the mechanical mounting systems needed to integrate the BIPV products into the building.&#;
As a result, there is no "standard" description of creating integrated photovoltaic modules and systems at this time. Although the European standard EN is cited, it does not imply a mandatory, universally recognised meaning. As a result, continued talks and study on this subject are underway, for example, within the framework of IEC TC82. The ensuing worldwide BIPV standard, which is scheduled to be completed in the near future, might provide solutions to some of these outstanding problems. Finally, it should be highlighted that BIPV qualification procedures will be more thorough within the framework of WP5 "Cost reduction based on performance levels and advanced standardization schemes for BIPV."
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Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) are solar power generating products or systems that are seamlessly integrated into the building envelope and part of building components such as façades, roofs or windows. Serving a dual purpose, a BIPV system is an integral component of the building skin that simultaneously converts solar energy into electricity and provides building envelope functions such as:
BIPV systems can be installed during the construction phase of a building or deployed in the course of a retrofit of an existing building when one of the envelope components needs to be replaced. The built environment allows for many ways to integrate BIPV. In general, there are three main application areas for BIPV:
BIPV modules currently available on the market use either crystalline silicon-based (c-Si) solar cells or thin film technologies such as amorphous-based silicon (a-Si), cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS). Semi-transparency, for skylight or curtain wall applications for example, can be achieved with most technologies by either spacing opaque c Si solar cells or making the thin film layer transparent. However, the module efficiency decreases with the increase of transparency as less sunlight is captured and converted into electricity by the photovoltaic layer.
The benefits of BIPV are manifold: BIPV not only produces on-site clean electricity without requiring additional land area, but can also impact the energy consumption of a building through daylight utilization and reduction of cooling loads. BIPV can therefore contribute to developing net-zero energy buildings. Turning roofs and façades into energy generating assets, BIPV is the only building material that has a return on investment (ROI). Furthermore, the diverse use of BIPV systems opens many opportunities for architects and building designers to enhance the visual appearance of buildings. Finally, yet importantly, building owners benefit from reduced electricity bills and the positive image of being recognized as "green" and "innovative".
A subset of BIPV is BIPV with thermal energy recovery &#; so-called BIPVT. Such systems produce heat and electricity simultaneously from the same building surface area. When air is used as the heat recovery medium (BIPVT/a), the extracted thermal energy is available either for direct use for low temperature applications (e.g. fresh air preheating), or through the mediation of a heat pump, for higher temperatures (e.g. space heating, domestic water heating). The main benefit of BIPVT is that it produces more energy per surface area than a stand-alone BIPV system. A side benefit is that under heat recovery conditions, the PV cells will be cooler than in a BIPV roof without thermal energy recovery thus improving the module efficiency.
A study conducted by Natural Resources Canada in revealed a huge market potential for BIPV in Canada, indicating that about 71.34 TWh could be generated by installing this technology in residential and commercial/institutional buildings. The construction trend towards highly-glazed multi-storey buildings in the past decade has further increased the area suitable for BIPV. In addition, technological advancements in regard to energy-efficient, flexible, colored and transparent solar materials allow for wider applications of BIPV.
To date, more than 50 commercial, institutional as well as several smaller residential BIPV projects have been realized in Canada, providing new market opportunities for solar manufacturers and the building envelope industry (see figure 4).
For more information, please refer to the Technology research publications portal in the Renewables section.
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