Design and Evaluation of a Water-Based, Semitransparent Photovoltaic Thermal Trombe Wall

Trombe walls are a passive solar technology that can contribute to the reduction of building heating loads. However, during warmer weather conditions, may cause overheating. In this work, we investigate feasibility using perform multiple functions warm conditions including (1) and storing water for applications, (2) providing occupants with visibility outdoors, (3) generating electric power. Experiments performed on small-scale prototype comprising clear storage container transparent window tinted acrylic sheet is immersed in water. Photovoltaic cells placed bottom half front face container. Results show at top be heated temperatures as high 45 °C when subjected solar-simulated radiation five hours. Numerical simulations predict similar reached if wall scaled full size. Furthermore, cooler acts heatsink reduces extent which temperature PV elevated. open circuit voltage about 50 0.66 V, respectively, present. absent from container, increases up 90 their drops 0.60 V. The results water-based, semitransparent photovoltaic thermal have potential operate multifunctional envelopes simultaneously provide daylighting, power, further research area warranted.