Advancements and Optimisation Strategies in Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal (BIPVT) Systems

This paper provides an overview of the current innovations in Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal Systems. This paper briefly describes varying performance evaluation techniques, optimisation techniques, and the environmental impact and cost implication of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal systems. The results reveal high energy-pin efficiency with Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal systems of over 50% and more efficient than when the two systems are incorporated separately. Exergy analysis is a more insightful means of analyzing system effectiveness than energy analysis. The paper covers the current algorithms for various optimisation algorithms such as Genetic Algorithms and Particle Swarm Optimisation that provide enhanced utilization improvements. An evaluation of the environmental impact of Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal in terms of carbon dioxide emission reduction and building energy optimisation is made. The results of the life cycle cost studies show that, even though the initial cost is higher than conventional solutions, the overall economic profit is more significant in the future. Some of the challenges described in the paper include increased initial costs and sophisticated integration procedures. In contrast, possible future developments include new materials, Building Integrated Photovoltaic Thermal system standardization, and integration in smart grids. This review is intended to be a state-of-the-art source of information for researchers, engineers, architects, and policymakers involved in enhancing sustainable building technologies using building-integrated photovoltaic thermal systems.