Optimized design and thermal performance study of solar heating composite exterior wall panels

This paper presents the design of a unit-type solar self-insulating composite exterior wall panel, which integrates a solar collector panel, photovoltaic (PV) panel, and insulation board into a single unit module. The research explores the utilization of an optimized solar collector panel to provide hot air indoors and proposes methods of application on facades. Using Fluent for simulation, it was found that on a sunny winter day, the thermal performance of the optimized solar collector panel increased by 94.68% compared to its pre-optimized state. A three-day experiment showed a maximum average temperature rise of 41.23 °C at the air outlet, close to the simulation. Finally, the energy efficiency and economic benefits of the study were calculated, which showed an energy saving rate of 65.47% for the composite exterior wall panels. This research provides ideas for solving the winter heating problem in cold regions’ buildings and the design application of self-insulating composite exterior wall panels in prefabricated buildings.