Comprehensive performance analysis of semitransparent CdTe PV windows in static and dynamic facades: A real ship case study

PV windows are mostly installed on fixed facades of static buildings with limitations such as partial shading and non-uniformity power generation. Ships, as special man-made construction, their orientation and speed are changeable under sailing condition. A significant portion of ship’s energy consumption is dedicated to maintaining the comfort of cabin environment. To expand the PV windows application scenarios and reduce the cabin energy consumption, this paper proposes an innovative application of CdTe PV windows in ship-based moving condition. The dynamic variations in solar irradiation received angle depend on different energy converting orientations of PV window since the ship movements. Thus, PV windows can avoid non-uniform irradiation and partial shading, leading to better energy harvesting efficiency in solar energy capture when PV windows are connected in parallel. The comprehensive performance of PV windows is compared under two conditions: a mooring condition with a northwest-facing bow and a sailing condition with closed sailing routes. The results indicate that under sailing condition, the average power generation efficiency of PV windows increased by 65.05% and heat transfer was reduced by 57.47%. The energy generation by PV windows can meet 100% of energy demand for ship cabin air conditioning and lighting under sailing condition.