Design of Compact BIPV Fac¸ades for the Buildings at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS)

Ecologically Sustainable buildings are being designed for the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) where the building fac¸ade and equipment may serve as a project-based environment for engineering students learning about energy efficiency. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) panels with poly-crystalline Photovoltaic (PV) module were designed and experimentally tested. The power input, and power output, surface temperatures, and channel spacing(s) between the PV module and glazed layer(s) were measured at cooling conditions with both fan-on and fan-off conditions. The electric energy conversion efficiency and the heat transfer ratios of conduction, natural convection, forced convection, and radiation reflection were determined for BIPV panels and optimized against the surface temperature and the channel spacing(s). An optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the single glazed (double-skinned) facade was suggested to be retrofitted to existing buildings, while an optimum BIPV with compact spacing for the double glazed (triple-skinned) fac¸ade was suggested for the building development at UTS. The project is ongoing and serves as a collaborative educational platform for students and staff.