Concentrating PhotoVoltaic glazing (CoPVG) system: Modelling and simulation of smart building façade

This paper presents an innovative Concentrating Glazing system to be adopted in smart building façades: The Photovoltaic (CoPVG). device consists of a double-glazing panel integrating series concentrating lenses. A thin layer PV cells is then placed at the lenses' focus. peculiar lens design can produce, by using Total Internal Reflection (TIR), seasonal effect with more light entering low incidence angles (i.e. winter months) and higher electricity production high summer months). To investigate this device's performance, suitable dynamic simulation tool has been developed MATLAB environment. Furthermore, active (electric energy production) passive (building insulation solar gains variations) effects related integrated devices, CoPVG implemented performance one (DETECt). show potential device, case study relative multi-floor office prototype investigated. Conventional semi-transparent windows are also investigated for comparative purposes. By novel façade system, interesting savings ranging from 30 60 % weather zones obtained.