Numerical Study of the Impact of Transverse Ribs on the Energy Potential of Air-Based BIPV/T Envelope Systems

Overheating in BIPV/T applications is a concern due to its negative impacts on the electrical conversion efficiency of solar cells. Forced air cooling can be an effective thermal management strategy. However, effectiveness limited by resistance associated with boundary layer formation walls channel. The heat transfer improved appending transverse ribs This study numerically investigates energy improvements channel using CFD. impact varying rib roughness shape, pitch and height thermo-hydraulic performance parameter, BIPV building heating/cooling load quantified. With optimized geometry, removal rate 2.73 times greater than smooth translated 30.5% reduction PV surface temperature increase 11.3% compared under peak summer conditions for mild oceanic climate. wall gain during also reduced 45.2%.