A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) Systems

Daniel Alberto Balaguera

doi:10.37591/joaest.v10i1.1555

Abstract

AbstractFor the last years, Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) was the only gate to use PV solar energy into housing area. However, there is another type of building integration technology which is building integrated photovoltaic-thermal (BIPV/T) that is gaining popularity at a very high rate. Therefore, this paper presents a review of the BIPV/T existing technologies, presenting a general overview of the system, including historical projects developed from the 80’s till now, along with case studies already implemented and R&D activities (either numerical or/and experimental studies). Furthermore, it presents a review of the BIPV/T systems which are: air-based systems, water-based systems, concentrating systems and systems involving a phase change working media such as BIPV/T with either heat pipe or pump evaporator. Finally, it shows an economic evaluation, that along with the integration of the system into the building (architecturally speaking), would open a space for discussion, and possible recommendations for the implementation of BIPV/T systems.Keywords: BIPV/T, heat recovery, solar energy, solar photovoltaic, solar thermalCite this ArticleDaniel Alberto Balaguera. A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) Systems. Journal of Alternate Energy Sources and Technologies. 2019; 10(1): 9–27p.