Simulation study on adjustable bifacial photovoltaic louvers balancing building energy saving, power generation and view

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) shading technology, which uses PV modules as sun-shading elements, combines shading with clean power generation and represents a zero-carbon building development trend. Bifacial PV louvers use high-efficiency bifacial modules to realize renewable energy utilization and indoor light/thermal environment regulation. A multi-purpose operation strategy is proposed, balancing the requirements of renewable power generation, building energy saving, and landscape view of building occupants. Accordingly, three scenarios, i.e., PV power generation priority, shading priority and lighting&heating priority, are established to adjust the PV louvers angle based on building usage patterns and meteorological conditions with the prevention of visual obstruction taken into consideration. A numerical model is developed to assess the electrical and energy performance of this adjustable bifacial PV louvers, with the assist of Rhino-Grasshopper simulation platform. The results demonstrate that by applying the PV louvers system to a typical office in Shenzhen with hot summer and warm winter climate, the annual energy consumption for air-conditioning can be reduced by 5.5%. Meanwhile, annual PV generation reaches 5795.8–6046.1 kWh, roughly offsetting the cooling demand. The levelized cost of electricity ranges from 0.52 to 0.54 CNY/kWh, indicating near grid parity performance.