Multi-objective optimization and applicability evaluation of solar PV glazing for high-rise building applications in different climate zones

This study proposes a multi-objective optimization and applicability evaluation framework for solar photovoltaic (PV) glazing in high-rise buildings across different climate zones. The dynamic energy and economic performance of the PV glazing applied in a practical high-rise office building is investigated and contrast against conventional glazings in different climate zones. The multi-objective optimization of the PV glazing is conducted to optimize key configuration parameters (i.e., solar heat gain coefficient, U-value and window to wall ratio) to minimize both net building energy consumption and lifetime net present value. A decision-making strategy is adopted to identify the optimum PV glazing configuration and global sensitivity analysis is carried out to quantify the impact of each parameter. The PV glazing evaluation index is further proposed to assess the balance between energy-saving potential and cost-effectiveness in different climate zones. The research results demonstrate that the PV vacuum glazing applied in the high-rise office building across different climate zones achieves the energy saving ranging from 3.03% (Kunming) to 12.52% (Guangzhou) compared to conventional glazings. Utilizing the optimum PV glazing can decrease net building energy consumption by 21.10% (Guangzhou) to 37.37% (Kunming) compared with insulated glazing unit, with the lifetime net present value ranging from 7.54 million CNY (Kunming) to 11.62 million CNY (Beijing) across different climate zones. The proposed PV glazing evaluation index identifies Kunming (0.2455 for office building and 0.1353 for hotel building) as exhibiting the best techno-economic applicability. The multi-objective optimization and applicability evaluation of solar PV glazing can provide guidance for buildings in different regions to select the optimum PV glazing configuration with better technical-economic-environmental performance.