Semi-transparent building-integrated photovoltaic windows: Potential energy savings of office buildings in tropical Singapore

Abstract

This study investigated the energy savings and performance of a semi-transparent photovoltaic window in Singapore's tropical climate. Combining photovoltaic technology with windows allows multifunctional performance enhancements as electricity generation, solar heat gain reduction and daylighting contribute to overall energy efficiency. The aim of the study was to improve the design of semi-transparent photovoltaic windows by identifying its total energy savings when installed in various orientations of a building located in the tropics. A standard floor of a building with PV windows was modelled and an annual simulation was performed in EnergyPlus. The simulation was repeated with single and double-glazed windows, instead of the PV windows, under the same conditions. The results indicate that the optimum WWR for east and west facades is 30% while for north and south facades it is 100%. A comparison also shows that semi-transparent BIPV can potentially provide plus-energy benefits to tropical buildings instead of decreasing its energy efficiency.