(38b) Experiments On Photovoltaic Modules Embedded in Building Façade

The preliminary field experiments were conducted for ascertaining electrical and thermal characteristics of a pair of glass coated photovoltaic (PV) modules. Both indoor and outdoor experiments were conducted on glass coated photovoltaic (PV) modules. A pre-fabricated outdoor room was used for conducting outdoor experiments on glass coated PV modules installed on a wooden frame. The selective operating conditions for glass coated PV modules were utilised for establishing their electrical and thermal characteristics. The measurement data from the test section include currents, voltages, electric power, air velocities, temperatures, solar intensities and thermal time constant. After conducting a series of field experiments, results have concluded that: i) glass coated PV module installed on a wooden frame was of more heat generating capacity in comparison to a window glass or a stand alone PV module; ii) generation of electric power was affected with operation of vertically inclined PV modules; iii) electrical and thermal characteristics were function of both outdoor air temperature and thermal storage losses; and iv) production of heat and electricity is a nonlinear function of volume of electrical and thermal resistances developed across the test section comprising of PV modules, air and an insulating panel.