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The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings

Author

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  • Abdelhakim Mesloub

    (Department of Architectural Engineering, Ha’il University, Ha’il 2440, Saudi Arabia)

  • Ghazy Abdullah Albaqawy

    (Department of Architectural Engineering, Ha’il University, Ha’il 2440, Saudi Arabia)

  • Mohd Zin Kandar

    (Department of Architecture, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan 71800, Malaysia)

Abstract

Recently, Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) windows have become an alternative energy solution to achieve a zero-energy building (ZEB) and provide visual comfort. In Algeria, some problems arise due to the high energy consumption levels of the building sector. Large amounts of this energy are lost through the external envelope façade, because of the poorness of the window’s design. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the optimum BIPV window performance for overall energy consumption (OEC) in terms of energy output, heating and cooling load, and artificial lighting to ensure visual comfort and energy savings in typical office buildings under a semi-arid climate. Field measurements of the tested office were carried out during a critical period. The data have been validated and used to develop a model for an OEC simulation. Extensive simulations using graphical optimization methods are applied to the base-model, as well as nine commercially-available BIPV modules with different Window Wall Ratios (WWRs), cardinal orientations, and tilt angles. The results of the investigation from the site measurements show a significant amount of energy output compared to the energy demand. This study revealed that the optimum BIPV window design includes double-glazing PV modules (A) with medium WWR and 20% VLT in the southern façade and 30% VLT toward the east–west axis. The maximum energy savings that can be achieved are 60% toward the south orientation by double-glazing PV module (D). On the other hand, the PV modules significantly minimize the glare index compared to the base-model. The data extracted from the simulation established that the energy output percentages in a 3D model can be used by architects and designers in early stages. In the end, the adoption of optimum BIPV windows shows a significant enough improvement in their overall energy savings and visual comfort to consider them essential under a semi-arid climate.

Suggested Citation

  • Abdelhakim Mesloub & Ghazy Abdullah Albaqawy & Mohd Zin Kandar, 2020. "The Optimum Performance of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Windows Under a Semi-Arid Climate in Algerian Office Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-38, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:4:p:1654-:d:324011
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Yu, Guoqing & Yang, Hongxing & Luo, Daina & Cheng, Xu & Ansah, Mark Kyeredey, 2021. "A review on developments and researches of building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) windows and shading blinds," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 149(C).
    4. Li Zhu & Peng Wang & Yujiao Huo & Wei Tian & Yong Sun & Baoquan Yin, 2022. "Energy Savings Potential of Semitransparent Photovoltaic Skylights under Different Climate Conditions in China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, March.
    5. Atef Ahriz & Abdelhakim Mesloub & Khaled Elkhayat & Mohammed A Alghaseb & Mohamed Hassan Abdelhafez & Aritra Ghosh, 2021. "Development of a Mosque Design for a Hot, Dry Climate Based on a Holistic Bioclimatic Vision," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-22, June.
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    7. Gigih Rahmandhani Setyantho & Hansaem Park & Seongju Chang, 2021. "Multi-Criteria Performance Assessment for Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Windows in Different Climate Contexts," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-21, February.
    8. Skandalos, Nikolaos & Wang, Meng & Kapsalis, Vasileios & D'Agostino, Delia & Parker, Danny & Bhuvad, Sushant Suresh & Udayraj, & Peng, Jinqing & Karamanis, Dimitris, 2022. "Building PV integration according to regional climate conditions: BIPV regional adaptability extending Köppen-Geiger climate classification against urban and climate-related temperature increases," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 169(C).
    9. Haitham Esam Rababah & Azhar Ghazali & Mohd Hafizal Mohd Isa, 2021. "Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) in Southeast Asian Countries: Review of Effects and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(23), pages 1-20, November.
    10. Aritra Ghosh & Abdelhakim Mesloub & Mabrouk Touahmia & Meriem Ajmi, 2021. "Visual Comfort Analysis of Semi-Transparent Perovskite Based Building Integrated Photovoltaic Window for Hot Desert Climate (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-13, February.

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