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Accurate Building Integrated Photovoltaic System (BIPV) Architectural Design Tool

EPA Grant Number: SU831895
Title: Accurate Building Integrated Photovoltaic System (BIPV) Architectural Design Tool
Investigators: Singh, Pritpal
Current Investigators: Singh, Pritpal , Kantamsetti, Shveta , Raskauskas, Mary , Torres, Vanessa
Institution: Villanova University
EPA Project Officer: Nolt-Helms, Cynthia
Project Period: September 1, 2004 through May 31, 2005
Project Amount: $7,066
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity, and the Planet (2004)
Research Category: Pollution Prevention/Sustainable Development , Engineering and Environmental Chemistry

Description:

One of the leading areas of renewable energy applications for the twenty-first century is building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV). Integrating photovoltaics into building structures allows the costs of the PV system to be partially offset by the solar modules also serving a structural role in the building. Although PV building modules and facades are currently in use around the world, existing design tools for such systems are inadequate in terms of their accuracy and user-friendliness for building designers. Shading and reflection factors are two substantial variables in calculating system energy output. However, existing system design and simulation tools generally omit the effects of reflections from multiple surfaces and shading of solar panels.

Objective:

Our project aims to create a “user friendly” software package that may be used to accurately design BIPV systems for use by architects to predict the performance of such systems. This package would allow the user to input their building location and information on surrounding buildings and receive accurate predictions on energy production.

Approach:

The project is divided into three phases, including: i) computer modeling of the solar resource available to the BIPV system at different times of the day and year including reflection and shading effects of surrounding buildings; ii) computer modeling of the BIPV system itself; and iii) validation of the computer modeling through comparison of the simulated performance of the system with measurements made on a scaled physical model of the system.

Expected Results:

P3 aspects of the project will be incorporated into the education of students in several ways including seminars and lectures through Villanova’s Center for the Environment, through a new proposed senior elective course open to all engineering majors, and through extra-curricular activities in organizations such as Villanova Environmental Group and Villanova’s Chapter of Engineers Without Borders.

Supplemental Keywords:

sustainable development, renewable energy, pollution prevention, modeling , Sustainable Industry/Business, Scientific Discipline, RFA, POLLUTION PREVENTION, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Sustainable Environment, Energy, Environmental Engineering, Chemistry and Materials Science, energy conservation, green design, green building design, clean energy, computer models, photovoltaics, solar energy, architectual design, alternative building technology, alternative energy source, software design tool, energy efficiency, environmentally conscious design
Relevant Websites:

BIPV design tool exit EPA
Project Description

Progress and Final Reports:
Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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