Building-integrated photovoltaics : effect on the cooling load component of building façades

The cooling load component of building-integrated photovoltaic (PV) walls has been investigated by numerical simulation of heat transfer across PV-walls. The cooling load component across the PV façades is predicted by the room transfer function method, based on the predicted heat gains for three cases at different locations (Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong). The simulation results are compared with the cooling load components of conventional walls that are directly exposed to the sun. The comparison indicates that the cooling load component reduction ratio due to photovoltaic integration ranges from 33% to 52% for a typical day in a year.Department of Building Services Engineerin