Thermal performance of transmissive solar concentrating window for building integration

Abstract

As temperatures rise, the efficiency of concentrating photovoltaic modules decreases significantly. This study investigated optimal mechanical and natural ventilation strategies for integrated concentrating building skins to minimise component temperatures, thereby enhancing electrical performance and improving indoor thermal conditions. Using ANSYS-CFX simulations, the thermal behaviour of the concentrator module under various ventilation methods was analysed. Results indicated that active ventilation significantly lowers photovoltaic cells temperatures. Under 5 m/s wind speed, the concentrating cells’ temperature under different ventilation forms was decreased by up to 35.12°C. When wind speed was below 3 m/s, the temperature of each component in the concentrating module was decreased rapidly with increasing wind speed, regardless of the ventilation method. However, beyond 3 m/s, the rate of temperature reduction declined gradually. For example, with bottom inlet ventilation, the average temperature of the concentrating cell was decreased by 30.09°C under 3 m/s wind speed. However, when the wind speed was increased from 3 m/s to 5 m/s, the average temperature was decreased by only 2.20°C. Comparing different ventilation forms, mechanical ventilation with bottom inlet airflow achieved better heat dissipation than top or side inlets, while natural ventilation in the external open type outperformed the fully open type.