Hybrid Photovoltaic-Thermal Technology and Solar Cooling: The CRF Solar Facade Case Study

The solar façade of the FIAT Research Center (CRF) was realized recently near Turin in Italy, under cooperation between CRF and Politecnico di Milano. The photovoltaic elements, that has a total power of 19.5 kWp, produces electric energy, while the forced air circulation beneath the modules recovers the thermal fraction of captured solar radiation and cools the cells as well. The electricity generated by the photovoltaic panels is used to feed a heat pump and internal electrical requirements. The produced heat is used by the air conditioning plant of the kitchen: in winter for pre-heating of the renewal air and in summer to feed the system of dehumidification (desiccant cooling) This integrated solar façade is being monitored on-line by a highly sophisticated monitoring system, managed by the technicians of CRF. At present, the system performance data is available for more than one-year period. In this paper, the monitored performance data on solar façade are presented and an estimated data for thermal and electrical performances using the developed simulation model is also shown