Modelling Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal Systems: Sensitivity Analysis Insights

Transformation of buildings to solar-powered structures can support the evolution of the global energy network towards a decentralized and environmentally sustainable system. Building-integrated photovoltaics thermal (BIPV/T) systems can play a crucial role in this process by facilitating the decarbonization of the heating sector through electrification. By generating both electrical and thermal energy from the same surface area their overall efficiency is improved making them particularly advantageous in dense urban environments where space is limited. The main design parameters which influence the BIPV/T energy performance include geometric features of the system such as channel length and height, inclination, and orientation as well as control parameters such as the air flow rate that runs through the BIPV/T channel.In this study a sensitivity analysis on selected design parameters of a BIPV/T system coupled to an air-source heat pump is conducted to identify sensitive features that have the biggest impact on the system performance.Key findings include that longer BIPV/T channels heighten the importance of channel height in the thermal production of the BIPV/T system, while higher channel air velocities generally decrease the impact of geometric parameters. Finally, the analysis indicated that there is a critical range of channel heights and lengths within which the sensitivity of these parameters on the outlet temperature of the BIPV/T channel is maximized.