Numerical heat transfer modeling and climate adaptation analysis of vacuum-photovoltaic glazing

Vacuum-photovoltaic (VPV) glazing has attracted much attention due to its excellent thermal insulation performance and its ability to utilize solar energy. However, few simulation models have been established based on actual products and rarely have been validated by experiments. In this paper, a four-layer CdTe-based VPV glazing was developed and the corresponding numerical heat transfer model was established with the integration of a dynamic power generation model. The numerical model was then validated against both the results from the WINDOW program and a guarded hot box experiment. Afterward, the validated model was employed to analyze the energy and power generation performance of the VPV glazing in diverse climate zones in China with Harbin, Beijing, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Kunming used as representative cities. The numerical simulation results indicate that the U-value of the proposed VPV glazing is 0.89 W/(m(2).K), which is in good agreement with the experimental results. Compared with a normal double glazing, the average energy reductions achieved with VPV glazing in air conditioning seasons are 128 kWh/m(2), 23 kWh/m(2), 45 kWh/m(2), and 52 kWh/m(2) in Harbin, Beijing, Changsha, and Guangzhou, respectively. In addition, the average annual power outputs of VPV glazing in Harbin, Beijing, Changsha, Guangzhou, and Kunming are 47 kWh/m(2), 48 kWh/m(2), 34 kWh/m(2), 36 kWh/m(2), and 45 kWh/m(2), respectively. The numerical model developed in this study can be used for energy-saving potential analysis and optimization of VPV glazing in different meteorological conditions, the results of which could provide guidance for the effective application of VPV glazing.

Automated summary

A four-layer CdTe-based VPV glazing was developed in this study, and a numerical heat transfer model was established and validated for analyzing the energy and power generation performance in different climate zones in China. The energy reduction achieved with VPV glazing in air conditioning seasons varies across cities, but is higher compared to normal double glazing.