Comparative analysis on the electrical and thermal performance of two CdTe multi-layer ventilated windows with and without a middle PCM layer: A preliminary numerical study.

Driven by the single function and poor thermal performance of traditional building windows, a novel CdTe multi-layer ventilated window integrated with a middle PCM layer is proposed in this paper. Comparative study is conducted between this novel system and another CdTe ventilated window without the PCM layer. Mathematical model of the system is established and validated. Comparison case study is performed under two groups of typical winter and summer days in Hefei. Parameter analyses are conducted and annual performance comparisons are investigated under the typical meteorological year of Hefei. Main results are: (1) Electrical performance of the PV window system was enhanced and indoor thermal comfort was improved due to the utilization of PCM; (2) T a m b and G s o l a r are respectively the most influential weather factors on thermal and electrical performance. Properly decreasing the channel height and increasing the PCM thickness can improve the comprehensive performance; (3) Annual E p v of the two window systems are 171.16 kWh and 169.55 kWh. Building with the novel window system could achieve a better indoor thermal comfort for the whole year. Annual indoor air-conditioning load is reduced by 1246.87 kWh and the energy-saving potential of this newly proposed CdTe PV ventilated window system is proved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]