Considered by scientists in Hong Kong, the solar balustrade integrates bifacial PV panels and is considered an ideal solution for “cool roofs”. Roof Albedo and module orientation are critical drivers of system performance.
Researchers from Hong Kong Polytechnic University have created a photovoltaic balustrade for implementation about building edges on the roof.
“The system integrates vertical bifacial PV modules directly in balustrades on the roof,” said the corresponding author of the research, Lin Lu, said PV -Magazine. “An important feature is the optional reflective surface that strengthens reflected irradiation. The vertical orientation reduces mutual shade between modules and optimizes use of space, while the location on the roof edge ensures that minimal obstruction of surrounding structures ensures.”
In the study “Vertical bifacial solar photo-mere balustrades for low-carbon buildings: a numerical analysis of energy performance“Published in Renewable energyThe system is described as promising for scalable implementation in urban environments, in particular with the rise of high-albedo “cool roofs” and radiation cooling technologies.
The experimental arrangement consisted of a series of vertical bifacial PV modules with different orientations and bifaciality factors. The modules were supposed to be based on liabilities on contact (perc), heterojunction (HJT) and tunneloxide -passivated contact
(Topcon) cell technology.
With the help of a multi-physics approach, the group-modeled optical, thermal and electrical dynamics of the group are modeled to simulate Real-World performance under different circumstances.
“Our numerical analysis revealed various important results,” Lu explained. “First of all, the roof Albedo and the module orientation were critical performance of the performance. High Albedo combined with reflective surfaces raised bifacial reinforcement to 2.04 for HJT modules, which perform considerably better than PERC technology. This profit exceeds the typical literature values.
Moreover, the scientists discovered that the system shows the direction of the direction. “North-oriented orientations maximized the bifacial profit, while the East/West orientations maximized the ability, so that it can adapt to latitudes,” Lu emphasized. “This significant performance advantage and orientation capacity indicate a superior installation potential in comparison with monofacial systems.”
“In comparison with Perc technology, TOPcon and HJT technologies show an increase in the capacity of around 8% and 17%.
Looking ahead, the group is planning to use spectral designed coatings that are able to steer solar photos, possibly simultaneous Albedo improvement and spectrum conversion. “These coatings offer a promising approach to further reinforcing roof-removing irradiation for bifacial PV systems by not only increasing the surface reflectivity, but also to optimize the spectral agreement between reflected light and PV cell sponsiveness,” Lu said.
“Our next phase will give priority to applying the newly developed spectral designed coatings on roofs, improving the Bifacial PV balustrade performance and accelerating practical efforts through demonstration projects in Hong Kong,” she concluded.
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