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Zero Energy Building Economic and Energetic Assessment with Simulated and Real Data Using Photovoltaics and Water Flow Glazing

Author

Listed:
  • Fernando del Ama Gonzalo

    (Department of Sustainable Product Design and Architecture, School of Sciences, Sustainability and Health, Keene State College, 229 Main St, Keene, NH 03435, USA)

  • Belen Moreno Santamaria

    (Department of Construction and Architectural Technology, Technical School of Architecture of Madrid, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Av. Juan de Herrera, 4, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

  • José Antonio Ferrándiz Gea

    (Department of Technology, Norfolk State University, 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23504, USA)

  • Matthew Griffin

    (Department of Sustainable Product Design and Architecture, School of Sciences, Sustainability and Health, Keene State College, 229 Main St, Keene, NH 03435, USA)

  • Juan A. Hernandez Ramos

    (Escuela Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Aeronautical and Space Engineering, Technical University of Madrid (UPM), Plaza Cardenal Cisneros 3, 28040 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

The new paradigm of Net Zero Energy buildings is a challenge for architects and engineers, especially in buildings with large glazing areas. Water Flow Glazing (WFG) is a dynamic façade technology shown to reduce heating and cooling loads for buildings significantly. Photovoltaic panels placed on building roofs can generate enough electricity from solar energy without generating greenhouse gases in operation or taking up other building footprints. This paper investigates the techno-economic viability of a grid-connected solar photovoltaic system combined with water flow glazing. An accurate assessment of the economic and energetic feasibility is carried out through simulation software and on-site tests on an actual prototype. The assessment also includes the analysis of global warming potential reduction. A prototype with WFG envelope has been tested. The WFG prototype actual data reported primary energy savings of 62% and 60% CO 2 equivalent emission reduction when comparing WFG to a reference triple glazing. Finally, an economic report of the Photovoltaic array showed the Yield Factor and the Levelized Cost of Energy of the system. Savings over the operating lifetime can compensate for the high initial investment that these two technologies require.

Suggested Citation

  • Fernando del Ama Gonzalo & Belen Moreno Santamaria & José Antonio Ferrándiz Gea & Matthew Griffin & Juan A. Hernandez Ramos, 2021. "Zero Energy Building Economic and Energetic Assessment with Simulated and Real Data Using Photovoltaics and Water Flow Glazing," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:11:p:3272-:d:568266
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    Cited by:

    1. Fernando del Ama Gonzalo & Belén Moreno Santamaría & Juan A. Hernández Ramos, 2022. "Assessment of Water Flow Glazing as Building-Integrated Solar Thermal Collector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(1), pages 1-21, December.
    2. Saman Abolghasemi Moghaddam & Catarina Serra & Manuel Gameiro da Silva & Nuno Simões, 2023. "Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Glazing Systems towards Nearly Zero-Energy Buildings: Energy Performance, Thermal Comfort, Cost-Effectiveness, and Environmental Impact Perspectives," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-30, August.

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