Building-Integrated Photovoltaic & Concentrating Solar Power

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DIPLOMA IN ARCHITECTURE

ATGB2163-BUILDING SERVICES 2

-Coursework 1-

NAME ID

CHIA JING HAO 09WTD07919

CHRISTOPHER LEE KAH SENG 09WTD06764

CHIA KENG SOON 09WTD06760

HUANG YONG GO 09WTD06496

ASSESSED BY: MR PHILIP NGU

SUBMISSION DATE: 14 th JUNE 2010



CONTENT

TOPIC PAGE

Introduction

Article 1: Building-

IntegratedPhotovoltaic

Article 2:

Concentrating

Solar Power

Summary of article

Essay Writing

Conclusion

References



INTRODUCTION

Mention renewable energy and solar power is bound to come up. For most people,

however, solar power is one thing. In reality, there are two different approaches.

Green building is all about implementing environmental and energy efficient

strategies into a structure. It can be done on a small scale such as heating a pool or a large

scale such as when building a skyscraper in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City. Regardless of

the situation, solar power is one of the popular renewable energy platforms being used today.

When it comes to solar power, most people understand the basics. Sunlight is

converted into energy. For most people, this means solar panels are used to generate

electricity. You know those panels on the top of homes around your neighborhood. In reality,

there are two different approaches to solar power. Both may be in your neighborhood, but

one is hard to notice unless you know what you are looking for.

Active solar power is a concept practically everyone knows. This is the panel system.

A set of panels is placed on a roof or backyard. The panels are made up of solar cells. The

cells tend to have a silicone component in them. When sunlight strikes the silicone, it causes

a chemical reaction. An electron is shot off the silicon creating a charge. This charge is

gathered by wires in the solar cell and sent down the line to an adapter. The adapter converts

the energy from AC to DC. It is then stored in a batter or fed into the electrical grid for your

local utility company. Active solar power, however, is not the only game in town.

Passive solar is very popular in some parts of the country. Unless you have looked

into what solar has to offer, you probably do not know about it. Passive solar involves no

panel systems. There are no batteries to be charged. Nothing is fed into the grid system for

the local utility. Instead, passive solar is used for heating purposes.

Have you ever locked your car in mall parking lot on a hot summer day? Whathappens when you open the door to get back in? A blast of furnace like heat comes rushing

out when you open the door. When you sit down on the seat, the heat makes you do a little

shuffling dance. This is the power of passive solar. The sun is used to heat structures.



Passive solar is a great way to heat a home. The idea is to position the home in such a way

that the sun penetrates to the maximum extent possible through windows. Below the windows,

you should install dark materials that absorb heat such as dark red bricks. During the day, the

bricks heat up. As night falls, the bricks or other materials give off heat for hours to keep the

home warm. Obviously, a full blown discussion of passive solar is a bit more complex, butthis is the basic idea.

The next time someone mentions solar power to you, keep in mind there are two

distinct approaches to using the energy in sunlight. Both work well, but perform very

different purposes.



Summary of Article

Photovoltaic (PV) modules, which convert sunlight directly into electricity, have been

integrated into roofing or other building materials. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV)

roofing serves as a roofing material to the building and as an electrical device to produce

electricity. PV systems that utilize battery storage can produce electricity for the home even

when the utility power is disconnected or when the sun is not shining. Typical residential PV

systems commonly have a peak power production of between 1,200-5,000 watts. Solar water

heaters come in variety of configurations. Each differs in design, cost, performance, and level

of complexity. Most systems have back-up water heating such as electricity or gas. A solar

water heating system usually consists of a hot water storage tank, a solar collector that

absorbs solar energy, a back-up energy source, and a pump and controls. There are two main

types of systems: passive and forced circulation. Within each type, there are several

configurations.

(153words)

References

1. TOOLBASE. µBIPV¶. Viewed on 12-6-10

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Electrical-Electronics/photovoltaic-building-integrated

2. Solar water heater. Viewed on 14-6-10

http://www.toolbase.org/Technology-Inventory/Plumbing/solar-water-heaters



Essay Writing:

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic & Concentrating

Solar Power

Photovoltaic (PV) applications for buildings began appearing in the 1970s.

Aluminum-framed photovoltaic modules were connected to, or mounted on, buildings that

were usually in remote areas without access to an electric power grid. In the 1980s

photovoltaic module add-ons to roofs began being demonstrated. These PV systems were

usually installed on utility-grid-connected buildings in areas with centralized power stations.

In the 1990s BIPV construction products specially designed to be integrated into a building

envelope became commercially available.

Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) are photovoltaic materials that are used to

replace conventional building materials in parts of the building envelope such as the roof,

skylights, or facades. They are increasingly being incorporated into the construction of new

buildings as a principal or ancillary source of electrical power, although existing buildings

may be retrofitted with BIPV modules as well. The advantage of integrated photovoltaic over

more common non-integrated systems is that the initial cost can be offset by reducing the

amount spent on building materials and labor that would normally be used to construct the

part of the building that the BIPV modules replace. These advantages make BIPV one of the fastest growing segments of the photovoltaic industry.

The BIPV can be installed in lieu of regular building materials, thereby saving money

on construction. For example, glass with specialized solar cells embedded in it can be used on

the facade of a building instead of conventional glass, or roofing can be made from BIPV.

Using BIPV is far more cost effective than building a structure and then adding

photovoltaic arrays, because the BIPV are part of the initial construction outlay, and they

replace conventional materials, instead of being installed over costly building materials.

Using systems which are integrated into the building can also be more appealing from an

aesthetic standpoint, since the systems can be designed to blend in with the building, adding

to it architecturally instead of standing out like a sore thumb.



In addition to being inherently environmentally friendly and cost effective, building-

integrated photovoltaic can also be utilized in a dual purpose way. For example, glass with

solar cells will collect and convert the sun's energy, but it also shades a building, keeping the

room cooler and cutting down on the need to utilize a specialized cooling system

While BIPV are usually integrated into the design of a building from the start, they

can be added later. People may choose to install photovoltaic systems during a remodel, for

example, taking advantage of the need to replace existing building materials to make a

building more environmentally friendly. Companies and homeowners may also choose to

modify existing buildings with a photovoltaic installation for environmental or economic

reasons, as using photovoltaic will cut down substantially on energy costs.

Building-Integrated Photovoltaic modules are available in several forms.

Flat roofs

The most widely installed to date is a thin film solar cell integrated to

a flexible polymer roofing membrane.

Pitched roofs

Modules shaped like multiple roof tiles

Solar shingles are modules designed to look and act like regular shingles, while

incorporating a flexible thin film cell.

It extends normal roof life by protecting insulation and membranes from ultraviolet

rays and water degradation. It does this by eliminating condensation because the dew

point is kept above the roofing membrane.

Facade

Facades can be installed on existing buildings, giving old buildings a whole new look.

These modules are mounted on the facade of the building, over the existing structure,

which can increase the appeal of the building and its resale value.

Glazing

(Semi) transparent modules can be used to replace a number of architectural elements

commonly made with glass or similar materials, such as windows and skylights.



When we talking about the advantages of PV, it is independence, many home owners feel

that energy independence from utilities is their primary motivation for adopting PV. Besides,

it is fairly reliable, even in harsh conditions PV systems are reliable and sturdy. They also

prevent costly power failures when constant power is essential. They are durable and work

for at least 20 years. Low maintenance cost is required too. Systems don¶t need much attention once installed since here are no moving parts. They usually run without need tune-

ups like other energy systems. Furthermore, PV system do not require the use of combustible

fuels and very safe when properly designed and installed so call safety. Therefore, there are

no costs associated with storing, purchasing, transporting fuel, because no source is required.

Sound pollution is reduced; this system operates silently and with minimal movement.

PV has it disadvantages too. The initial cost is considerably high, an array can be a

sizable investment, but the ROI (return on investment) is getting shorter and the cost of energy from the grid continues to rise and incentives are provided. Besides, specific solar

orientation is required in order to function as their best, panels need direct sunlight. Shadows

from trees or other objects can greatly reduce the systems efficiency. Unlike solar hot water,

PV panels can face other directions²East or West²and still proved over 80% of the

performance of south-facing collectors. Some PV systems need batteries if they are to

provide power when the utility grid is down, to store power generated during the day. This

can increase the size, cost and complexity of the system. Panels have a high embodied energy

and can make from some toxic materials. There are health and safety issues only involving in the manufacturing process. Typically PV panels will produce enough energy to offset their

embodied energy in 7-10 years.

Installing a solar power system to generate solar energy will not only save money on your

electricity bill, but can help save the environment by reducing carbon emissions. Most

electricity in Australia still comes from the burning of non-renewable fossil fuel resources

like oil and coal. This process releases CO2 and other pollutants into the environment, and

over time these emissions build up in the atmosphere and contribute heavily to greenhouse gases and global warming. Installing a solar power system will cut your dependency on

traditional, environmentally unfriendly, energy sources and contribute to a cleaner

environment for everyone.



Thi i howed that how the tem works.

This i re .2 is an examp le of the B sys tem sed in a ilding.



Solar water heating or solar hot water is water heated by the use of solar energy. Solar

heating systems are generally composed of solarthermal collectors, a water storage tank or

another point of usage, interconnecting pipes and a fluid system to move the heat from the

collector to the tank. This thermodynamic approach is distinct from

semiconductor photovoltaic (PV) cells that generate electricity from light; solar water heating deals with the direct heating of liquids by the sun where no electricity is directly generated. A

solar water heating system may use electricity for pumping the fluid, and have a reservoir or

tank for heat storage and subsequent use. The water can be heated for a wide variety of uses,

including home, business and industrial uses. Heating swimming pools, underfloor heating or

energy input for space heating or coolingare common examples of solar water heating. A

solar water heating system can form part of a solar thermal cooling system, promoting

efficient temperature control of buildings or parts thereof. During cool conditions, the same

system can provide hot water. Solar heating of buildings in temperate climates has a season-

problem: In winter, when most heating is needed, least is available from the sun. This can

often be solved by storing solar heat in the ground or in groundwater .

Solar water heating systems use solar panels, called collectors, fitted to your roof.

These collect heat from the sun and use it to warm water which is stored in a hot water

cylinder.There are two types of solar water heating panels, they are evacuated tubes (like in

the picture above) and flat plate collectors. Flat plates collectors can be fixed on the roof tiles

or integrated into the roof.A boiler or immersion heater can be used as a back up to heat the water further to reach the temperature set by the cylinders thermostat when the solar water

heating system does not reach that temperature. (The cylinder thermostat should be set at 60

degrees centigrade.)Larger solar panels can also provide energy to heat your home as well -

though usually only in the summer months when home heating is unnecessary.

The benefits of solar water heating

y Hot water throughout the year: the system works all year round, though you'll need to

heat the water further with a boiler or immersion heater during the winter months.

y Cut your bills: sunlight is free, so once you've paid for the initial installation your hot

water costs will be reduced.

y Cut your carbon footprint: solar hot water is a green, renewable heating system and can

reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.



There are two types of acti e solar water hea ting sys tems :

y D irec t circu lation sys tems

umps circu late househo ld water through the collectors and into the home. They work

well in climates where it rare ly freezes.

y I ndirec t circu lation sys tems

umps circu late a non-freez ing, hea t-transfer f luid through the collectors and a hea t

exchanger. Th is hea ts the water that then f lows into the home. They are popu lar in

climates prone to freez ing tempera tures.

P ass i e solar water hea ting sys tems are typica lly less expens i e than acti e sys tems, ut

they're usua lly not as eff icient. owever, pass ive sys tems can e more reliab le and may last

longer. There are two bas ic types of pass ive sys tems :

y I ntegra l collector-s torage pass ive sys tems

These work bes t i n areas where tempera tures rare ly fall be low freez ing. They also work

well in househo lds with signif ican t daytime and even ing hot-wa ter needs.

y Thermosyphon sys tems ater f lows through the sys tem when warm wa ter r ises as coo ler water sinks. The

collector mus t be installed be low the storage tank so that warm water will r ise into the

tank. These sys tems are reliab le, bu t con trac tors mus t pay carefu l attention to the roof

des ign because of the heavy storage tank. They are usua lly more expens ive than integra l

collector-s torage pass ive sys tems.



olar water hea ting sys tems almos t always requ ire a backup sys tem for cloudy days and

times of increased demand. Conven tiona l storage water hea tersusua lly prov ide backup and

may already be par t of the solar sys tem package.A backup sys tem may also be par t of the

solar collector, such as roof top tanks with thermosyphon sys tems. ince an integra l-co llector

storage sys tem already stores hot water in add ition to collecting solar hea t, it may be

packaged with a demand tank less or instan taneous) water hea ter for backup.



This f igure .3 showed that how the solar water hea ting sys tem works.

This f igure .4 showed that solar collector

This f igure .5 showed that solar water heating



Conclusion

Great advances have been made in the development of solar energy technologies.

Efficiencies have been improved and costs have been brought down by orders of magnitude.

The technologies have become cost-effective for some applications. However, they are still

too expensive for other applications such as grid electricity, unless environmental costs are

accounted for or incentives are given for these technologies. At present, the markets for solar

PV technologies are increasing at a rate of more than 35% per year and solar thermal power

growth is expected to be even higher. However, these applications are starting from a very

small or negligible base. Therefore, an even higher growth rate would be needed to reach the

levels envisioned for the future. Strong public policies and political leadership are needed to

move forward the application of solar and other renewable energy technologies, while

maintaining robust research efforts to advance present technologies and develop new ones.

Countries whose governments have established firm goals for the penetration of

renewable energy into primary energy and electricity generation, or have adopted specific

policy mechanisms, are achieving great success. Examples are the successful feed-in laws

adopted in several European countries, for instance, Germany and Spain; the Renewables

Portfolio Standard (RPS) adopted by several of the American states, which ensures that a

minimum amount of renewable energy is included in the portfolio of electricity production;

and city ordinances requiring solar systems to be used for water heating in residential and

commercial buildings. Appropriate policy measures have shown that solar applications can be

boosted with many positive side effects, from the creation of new industries, new jobs and

new economic opportunities, to the protection of the environment.

Energy conservation - through improvements in energy efficiency and decreases in

energy intensity - is essential to increase the fractional contribution of renewable energy

while meeting the energy needs of society.

Based on a review of the ongoing research in solar energy technologies, it is clear that

they will continue to improve, promising higher efficiencies and lower costs. Examples of

such promising new technologies beyond the horizon include continued development of new

thin-film technologies, nano-scale antennas for conversion of sunlight to electricity,

biological nano-scale PV, new concepts in solar desalination, visible light photocatalytic



technologies for PV or environmental applications, and new thermodynamic cycles for solar

thermal power. These developments are expected to help achieve the projected solar energy

penetration levels by 2050 and beyond. However, in the meantime, it is essential to adopt

policies that will ensure accelerated deployment of the present solar energy technologies.



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Building-Integrated Photovoltaic & Concentrating Solar Power