Enhancing BIPV performance through fin integration: A co-simulation approach

Aim and Approach

This research aims to enhance the thermal management of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) modules by evaluating the effectiveness of attaching fins as cooling mechanism. The study employs an advanced co-simulation technique that couples two validated models: a detailed fins model (developed in Matlab) with a BIPV model (Developed in Modelica) to precisely simulate the thermal and electrical performance of the system. Using Dymola, high-resolution simulations are conducted, which integrate electrical, thermal, and airflow modeling to explore the impact of fin design; specifically fin length and thickness, on the cooling performance of BIPV systems. The analysis is applied to different environmental conditions across three locations: Uccle, Naples, and Riyadh, to determine how these variables influence energy yield and degradation rates.

Scientific Innovation and Relevance

This research’s scientific innovation is based on applying a co-simulation technique that effectively couples the fins model with the BIPV system model. This method enables a comprehensive analysis of how fin geometry influences the thermal behavior and energy performance of BIPV modules. By integrating these two models within the Dymola environment, the study advances the understanding of thermal management in BIPV systems, offering a novel solution to reduce module temperature, increase energy efficiency, and extend the operational lifespan. This approach represents a step forward in optimizing BIPV systems for sustainable building design, providing more accurate and efficient methods to evaluate and improve their performance.

Preliminary Results and Conclusions

Preliminary results from the co-simulation demonstrate that the addition of fins to BIPV modules leads to a moderate increase in annual energy yield (between 0.35% and 0.93%) and a notable reduction in degradation rates (ranging from 17.4% to 29.6%). These enhancements result theoretically in an extended module lifespan of 6.3 to 12.6 years. The findings indicate that fin length is more influential than fin thickness in enhancing heat dissipation. This research also concludes that the co-simulation technique used in coupling the fins model with the BIPV system model is a viable and effective method for improving the modeling efficiency of BIPV systems.