Photovoltaic
In architecture, the additive fitting of photovoltaic elements on or near buildings are met with great interest. Our project deals with the adaptation of the photovoltaic (PV) thin-film technology for composite panels in rear ventilated facades, aesthetically convincing and fit without any extra effort in planning and construction process.
The new PV modules are implicit in standard facade elements. An interdisciplinary team of scientists, industry and practice developed the conditions to integrate them into an EU project designed for solar modules with a wide range of surfaces and colors into a commercial facade system. The work includes architectural, zoning and building technical, physical and electrical requirements, profitability analysis for the new application.
The main project result is the prototype of an innovative composite panel with flexible color and surface design, the cladding and PV module at the same time. It consists of a mounting panel made of foamed recycled glass and laminated solar module. Given that this one-over composite module is required and visible edges are disturbing, the existing PV elements have been modified. Due to the concealed fastening on the back of the panels it results in a visually homogeneous and fully usable front for energy.
The substructure allows individual insulation thickness on the outer wall. This allows energy-saving by combining ideal building techniques and active power, particularly in the facade renovation. Life cycle analysis, when subject to relevant factors, could in many cases prove productivity when compared to rear ventilated facades show glass panels. The extensive experimental studies on the prototype promises a practical and durable building construction product, that the industrial partners continued until now to market with general building approval.
