Simulation Models of Building Integrated Collectors and PV Modules

In recent years, as the solar collectors and PV modules are often integrated into building envelopes, it is necessary to develop the simulation models for these solar components. For the integrated collectors, reduction of heat loss to the outside air is expected from the collector backside comparing to the roof mounted collectors using frames. Contrarily, the efficiency of the power generation by the PV modules is reduced due to higher temperature with thermal insulation effect on the backside of the PV modules. In addition, the building integrated solar collectors and PV modules effect the thermal properties of the roof and exterior walls as the building components. In this study, the simulation models of roof integrated solar collector including PV module are described. The simulation of a whole solar heating system with the integrated solar collectors with PV modules was carried out to evaluate the solar heat collection, the generated electricity by PV modules, reductions of space heating and domestic hot water heating loads.