Energy analysis of building integrated photovoltaic modules

Abstract

In the present work, a building integrated photovoltaic module (BIPV) is analyzed by passive cooling technique. The effect of incorporating wick in BIPV modules electrical energy conversion efficiency and surface temperatures are studied under different orientations of building. The BIPV module contains window glazing, Polycrystalline solar cells and coir mat wick material. The experimental results shows the wick incorporated BIPV module electrical efficiency is increased by 4% while the surface temperature of the modules is reduced up to 8°C when compared with the BIPV module without wick structure. The overall annual CO2 mitigation and carbon credit for the present system is studied. Energy payback time is 3.8 and 4 years in terms of overall electrical energy for BIPV and BIPV- wick module respectively.