IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/appene/v383y2025ics0306261925000285.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Semi-transparent BIPV/T System's synergistic operation with air treatment for electricity generation and complementary cold-heat utilization: Assessment of energy and daylight performance

Author

Listed:
  • Tang, Yayun
  • Zhang, Chengyan
  • Ji, Jie
  • Xie, Hao

Abstract

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) modules into building designs not only enhances architectural aesthetics but also promotes sustainable electricity generation. However, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems face several challenges, including suboptimal efficiency, waste heat underutilization, glare, and the energy-intensive nature of air-conditioning systems. This study tackles these challenges through the synergistic operation of a semi-transparent BIPV/T curtain wall (CW) system with air treatment processes, aiming to enhance the thermal, electrical, and daylighting performance of buildings. The methodology combines the development of thermal and electrical models based on energy balance equations with an optical model employing ray-tracing principles. These models are implemented in a dynamic co-simulation environment that integrates Matlab, TRNSYS, and DesignBuilder, accounting for real-time climatic variations. A case study compares the performance of the proposed system with a conventional standalone BIPV system and air-conditioning operation. The innovative system design improves PV cooling through active ventilation, reduces reheat loads by utilizing exhaust air, and captures excess heat from the PV CW for space heating. Furthermore, it effectively balances daylight utilization with indoor visual comfort. The results indicate that the hybrid system reduces the PV operating temperature by up to 9.03 °C, enhancing electricity generation by 90.34 Wh/day in summer and 97.29 Wh/day in winter. Annually, the system contributes 5530.87 kWh of electricity while the building's total energy demand for HVAC and lighting amounts to 16,380.49 kWh. The synergistic approach not only boosts electricity generation by 14.39 kWh (0.26 %) but also reduces overall building energy consumption by 1399.73 kWh (7.87 %). Moreover, it improves economic viability, generating an additional 8976.84 CNY in life-cycle profits. These advantages demonstrate the potential of integrating BIPV and HVAC systems to advance sustainable and energy-efficient building design.

Suggested Citation

  • Tang, Yayun & Zhang, Chengyan & Ji, Jie & Xie, Hao, 2025. "Semi-transparent BIPV/T System's synergistic operation with air treatment for electricity generation and complementary cold-heat utilization: Assessment of energy and daylight performance," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 383(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:383:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925000285
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125298
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306261925000285
    Download Restriction: Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1016/j.apenergy.2025.125298?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tan, Yutong & Peng, Jinqing & Luo, Zhengyi & Luo, Yimo & Ma, Tao & Ji, Jie & Yang, Hongxing & Wang, Fazhi & Zhu, Minfeng, 2023. "Multi-function partitioned design method for photovoltaic curtain wall integrated with vacuum glazing towards zero-energy buildings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    2. Qiu, Changyu & Yang, Hongxing, 2022. "Dynamic coupling of a heat transfer model and whole building simulation for a novel cadmium telluride-based vacuum photovoltaic glazing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    3. Zhang, Chengyan & Ji, Jie & Wang, Chuyao & Ke, Wei & Xie, Hao & Yu, Bendong, 2022. "Experimental and numerical studies on the thermal and electrical performance of a CdTe ventilated window integrated with vacuum glazing," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 244(PB).
    4. Zhang, Chengyan & Ji, Jie & Ke, Wei & Tang, Yayun, 2024. "Comprehensive performance investigation of a novel thermal catalytic semi-transparent PV double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 300(C).
    5. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Xie, Hao & Tang, Yayun & Wang, Chuyao, 2023. "Effects of the PCM layer position on the comprehensive performance of a built-middle PV-Trombe wall system for building application in the heating season," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 267(C).
    6. Wang, Lin & Zhou, Jinzhi & Bisengimana, Emmanuel & Ji, Yasheng & Zhong, Wei & Yuan, Yanping & Lu, Lin, 2023. "Numerical study on the thermal and electrical performance of a novel MCHP PV-Trombe wall system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    7. Tang, Yayun & Ji, Jie & Xie, Hao & Zhang, Chengyan & Tian, Xinyi, 2023. "Single- and double-inlet PV curtain wall systems using novel heat recovery technique for PV cooling, fresh and supply air handling: Design and performance assessment," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 282(C).
    8. Zhang, Chengyan & Ji, Jie & Wang, Chuyao & Ke, Wei, 2024. "Annual analysis and comparison of the comprehensive performance of a CdTe PV ventilated window integrated with vacuum glazing in different climate regions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 223(C).
    9. Tan, Yutong & Peng, Jinqing & Luo, Yimo & Li, Houpei & Wang, Meng & Zhang, Fujia & Ji, Jie & Song, Aotian, 2023. "Daylight-electrical-thermal coupling model for real-time zero-energy potential analysis of vacuum-photovoltaic glazing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C), pages 1040-1056.
    10. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Wang, Chuyao & Xie, Hao & Tian, Xinyi, 2023. "A seasonal experimental study on a novel CdTe based multi-layer PV ventilated window system integrated with PCM under different operating modes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 285(C).
    11. Wang, Chuyao & Ji, Jie & Yu, Bendong & Zhang, Chengyan & Ke, Wei & Wang, Jun, 2022. "Comprehensive investigation on the luminous and energy-saving performance of the double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(PB).
    12. Yadav, Somil & Hachem-Vermette, Caroline, 2024. "Performance evaluation of semitransparent PV window systems employing periodic thermal model," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 353(PA).
    13. Wijeratne, W.M. Pabasara Upalakshi & Samarasinghalage, Tharushi Imalka & Yang, Rebecca Jing & Wakefield, Ron, 2022. "Multi-objective optimisation for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) roof projects in early design phase," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    14. Miyazaki, T. & Akisawa, A. & Kashiwagi, T., 2005. "Energy savings of office buildings by the use of semi-transparent solar cells for windows," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 30(3), pages 281-304.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Pan, Zhongjie & Liu, Jia & Wu, Huijun & Luo, Diqian & Huang, Jialong, 2025. "Theoretical-experimental-simulation research on thermal-daylight-electrical performance of PV glazing in high-rise office building in the Greater Bay Area," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 378(PA).
    2. Hossein Arasteh & Wahid Maref & Hamed H. Saber, 2023. "Energy and Thermal Performance Analysis of PCM-Incorporated Glazing Units Combined with Passive and Active Techniques: A Review Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-42, January.
    3. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Xie, Hao, 2023. "Modelling analysis and performance evaluation of a novel hybrid CdTe-PCM PV glass module for building envelope application," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 284(C).
    4. Liu, Keke & Wang, Meng & Peng, Jinqing & Li, Sihui & Luo, Yimo & Zhang, Xiaofeng, 2024. "Effect of angle of incidence on the optical-electrical-thermal performance of photovoltaic insulated glass units," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 226(C).
    5. Yang, Haotian & Liu, Xingjiang & Gu, Yaping & Shen, Chao, 2025. "A novel photovoltaic-photothermal coupling skylight based on spectral complementation conception: System design and performance investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    6. Liu, Xingjiang & Huang, Yuqi & Shen, Chao & Lu, Lin, 2025. "Quantitative assessment on the visual effects of photovoltaic double skin façade: Towards a sustainable building prospect," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 317(C).
    7. Zhou, Hao & Yang, Hongxing & Peng, Jinqing, 2024. "Solar PV vacuum glazing (SVG) insulated building facades: Thermal and electrical performances," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 376(PB).
    8. Wang, Chuyao & Yang, Hongxing & Ji, Jie, 2024. "Performance analysis of a PV/T shading device for enhancing energy saving and human comfort," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 376(PA).
    9. Uddin, Md Muin & Wang, Chuyao & Zhang, Chengyan & Ji, Jie, 2022. "Investigating the energy-saving performance of a CdTe-based semi-transparent photovoltaic combined hybrid vacuum glazing window system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 253(C).
    10. Zheng-Yu, Shu & Ying-Xi, Huang & Jian-Wei, He & Zhang, Wang & Hai-Tao, Wang & Shan-Xun, Sun & Yang, Cai & Fu-Yun, Zhao, 2024. "Functional ventilation building envelope integrated photovoltaic modules and phrase change material in subtropical climate: An in-depth numerical investigation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 307(C).
    11. Shi, Shaohang & Zhu, Ning & Wu, Shuangdui & Song, Yehao, 2024. "Evaluation and analysis of transmitted daylight color quality for different colored semi-transparent PV glazing," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 222(C).
    12. Barone, Giovanni & Buonomano, Annamaria & Chang, Roma & Forzano, Cesare & Giuzio, Giovanni Francesco & Mondol, Jayanta & Palombo, Adolfo & Pugsley, Adrian & Smyth, Mervyn & Zacharopoulos, Aggelos, 2022. "Modelling and simulation of building integrated Concentrating Photovoltaic/Thermal Glazing (CoPVTG) systems: Comprehensive energy and economic analysis," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 193(C), pages 1121-1131.
    13. Ke, Wei & Ji, Jie & Zhang, Chengyan & Song, Zhiying & Wang, Chuyao & Xie, Hao & Tian, Xinyi, 2024. "Performance analysis of a novel hybrid CdTe-PCM multi-layer ventilated window system for building application: An experimental and numerical study," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 293(C).
    14. Tan, Yutong & Peng, Jinqing & Luo, Zhengyi & Luo, Yimo & Ma, Tao & Ji, Jie & Yang, Hongxing & Wang, Fazhi & Zhu, Minfeng, 2023. "Multi-function partitioned design method for photovoltaic curtain wall integrated with vacuum glazing towards zero-energy buildings," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 218(C).
    15. Tan, Yutong & Peng, Jinqing & Luo, Zhengyi & Ma, Tao, 2025. "Partitioned optimal design of semi-transparent PV curtain wall: Strike a balance among occupants’ comfort, energy conservation, and power generation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    16. Li, Danny H.W. & Lam, Tony N.T. & Chan, Wilco W.H. & Mak, Ada H.L., 2009. "Energy and cost analysis of semi-transparent photovoltaic in office buildings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 86(5), pages 722-729, May.
    17. Wang, Chuyao & Ji, Jie & Uddin, Md Muin & Yu, Bendong & Song, Zhiying, 2021. "The study of a double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells in a rural building," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(PA).
    18. Li, Weilin & Jing, Mingyi & Li, Rufei & Gao, Junxi & Zhu, Jiayin & Li, Ruixin, 2023. "Study of the optimal placement of phase change materials in existing buildings for cooling load reduction - Take the Central Plain of China as an example," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 209(C), pages 71-84.
    19. Tiantian Zhang & Meng Wang & Hongxing Yang, 2018. "A Review of the Energy Performance and Life-Cycle Assessment of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-34, November.
    20. Zhang, Tingsheng & Qi, Lingfei & Zhang, Zutao & Yan, Jinyue, 2024. "A portable balloon integrated photovoltaic system deployed at low altitude," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 313(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:383:y:2025:i:c:s0306261925000285. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Catherine Liu (email available below). General contact details of provider: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/405891/description#description .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.