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Multi-Criteria Performance Assessment for Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows in Different Climate Contexts

Authors :
Seongju Chang
Gigih Rahmandhani Setyantho
Hansaem Park
Source :
Sustainability, Vol 13, Iss 2198, p 2198 (2021), Sustainability, Volume 13, Issue 4
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2021.

Abstract

Semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) windows, one of the building façade elements, can generate electricity and provide a certain amount of daylight for occupants. Nevertheless, expensive cost and unsatisfying indoor daylight performance in the room are common problems with STPV windows. This study investigates the thermal, daylight, energy, and life-cycle cost performance of STPV windows by considering varied window-to-wall ratios, building orientations, and STPV module types. The electricity balance index (elBI) indicator is proposed as one of the performance evaluation criteria. Two types of building models are established for this study: a rig-test building as the baseline building model and a KAIST campus research facility as the test building model along with the actual measurements and simulations using DesignBuilder. Results show that the STPV window in the Mediterranean climate demonstrates higher efficiency based on the elBI indicator. Decision-making analysis using the analytic hierarchy process and PROMETHEE II found weighting rates of 0.309, 0.076, and 0.465 for elBI, comfort, and cost criteria, respectively. Furthermore, lighting energy consumption becomes a critical variable for STPV module type selection, while a simple ON/OFF lighting control system can improve the elBI value by 0.02 ~ 0.04. Our research findings could potentially improve the decision-making process for building and urban energy systems selection in different climate types.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20711050
Volume :
13
Issue :
2198
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Sustainability
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....dfa1426a3c894cefc9e3c0d438882e77