Double Skin Façades Integrating Photovoltaic Panels: A Comparative Analysis of the Thermal and Electrical Performance

A numerical model is developed for simulating a single or multi–story Double Skin Façade integrating Photovoltaics (DSF-P). The proposed model enables the prediction of the thermal and electrical performance of the DSF-P system. The DSF-P can co-generate solar electricity and heat. The buoyancy-driven air flow inside the cavity may be assisted by a fan to cool down the photovoltaics while providing natural or hybrid ventilation to adjacent zones. Automated roller shades are also implemented in the model, which help regulate heating and cooling loads but also control the daylight levels in the indoor space. A comparative analysis for two different climate zones, Montreal (Canada) and Naples (Italy), is performed with the purpose to apply the proposed methodology for the optimization of the DSF-P system in different climate regions. The simulations show that a DSF-P system integrating photovoltaics can supply approximately 0.20kWh/m2/day of solar electricity to the adjacent office space covering the daily thermal energy demand of the office (cooling and heating). In addition, during the heating period for a threestory DSF-P, the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet of the cavity can reach up to 18oC giving the opportunity for natural or hybrid ventilation to the building.