Evaluation of photovoltaic performance integrated with shading system in optimizing building energy consumption in hot arid climates (Case study: an office building in Shiraz)

Abstract

Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems, are multifunctional components to generate electricity and simultaneously provide the shade needed for building surfaces and walls. Applying integrated photovoltaic systems with building components, including fixed shadings, in addition to regulating the penetration of sunlight and saving energy, seems to be a fully functional approach due to the production of part of the buildings' energy. Therefore, to evaluate the performance of Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems, in optimizing energy consumption, the need to study the effect of Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems, on energy in Shiraz was considered. Therefore, 15 Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems scenarios for the facade of an office space model were calculated using the DesignBuilder simulation program and PVsyst. According to the results, the Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems, designed with 4 louvers with a slope angle of 45 degrees and zero degrees azimuth (facing south) has the highest efficiency compared to other scenarios and shows an energy efficiency of 35.54%, which indicates an acceptable decrease. The heating energy has been effective as well as its efficiency as a combined photovoltaic system in producing energy and controlling solar radiation simultaneously. The present study provides the required information on the parameters of Photovoltaic-integrated Shading systems and paves the way for the development of photovoltaic technology integrated with building components in the design steps.