Thermal and energy performance of a building with PV-applied double-skin façade

A double-skin façade (DSF) is a passive solar design method for reducing building energy consumption. When a photovoltaic (PV) is applied as cladding for the spandrel area, various heat-transfer phenomena occur on the surface of the PV and consequently reduce the heat transferred into the interior cavity. In addition, air circulation through the top and bottom vents of the DSF cavity promotes the release of heated air inside the double skin, improving building cooling and temperature reduction of the PV. Thus, PV power generation is increased. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the thermal performance and energy consumption of a test building with a glass DSF and a PV-applied DSF (PV-DSF). The behaviour of the building and the overall system was evaluated using Trnsys dynamic analysis software. The results showed that heat transferred to the PV-DSF cavity decreased significantly compared with the glass DSF cavity. Although this was disadvantageous in winter, it was advantageous during summer to decrease cooling energy demand. In addition, 1438 kWh of electricity was generated, which corresponded to about 18% of the annual building energy consumption required. Moreover, the building energy consumption of the PV-DSF decreased by 15% compared with the glass DSF.