The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a performance analysis performed on four patented glass block configurations integrated with a third-generation dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) module. By using three different software (COMSOL Multiphysics, Windows, Zemax), the analysis takes into account thermal, optical, and electrical properties, as well as the special 3D geometry of this innovative glass product. From these results, an improved insulation structure is also introduced and studied to further consider the applicability of this building component in the construction of energy-saving and power-generating building shells.
summary
The building products analyzed here represent a versatile solution for the construction of sustainable, translucent, brightly colored envelopes that save energy while generating it themselves. Many other applications are possible due to the energy efficiency, structural and aesthetic properties of DSC integrated glass blocks (e.g., urban equipment, inside and outside buildings, in order to take advantage of DSC's good response to spatial separation of artificial light). In these cases, no specific performance in terms of insulation is required, and the DSC integrated glass block configuration discussed in paragraph 2 can be used without any modifications.
However, this article is concerned with the thermal optimization of the product as a glazing element of the building envelope, where the thermal transmittance of any glass product represents a fundamental parameter for choosing one option over another. As has already been highlighted, it is also important to increase the U-value of the product to allow the use of this product in different climatic environments: for example, in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, the U-value limit has been reduced by two of the four thermally optimized configurations (i.e. 3.01, 3.03) that can be used, while all four can be used in the context of the construction envelope in Italy. Compiled by Chen Jiaoyun
Especially in northern countries with cold climates and low global solar radiation values, high solar gain and light transmission values can be maintained according to building requirements and are compatible with other parameters (photovoltaic power, heat transmittance). In this sense, the choice of the optical properties of the DSC module is not only a fundamental component of the design of this innovative product, but also its optimal use as a technical element of the building enclosure. With the DSC module of energy production, thermal, optical, and aesthetic properties as analog inputs, results can be obtained with different transparency and color combinations, as shown in the paper. The analysis discussed in this article also shows the importance of careful consideration of the properties of the glass elements to optimize the insulation of the glass block cavity, as they may help to achieve a specific level of performance, thus affecting the suitability of the product. This, combined with the versatility of DSC technology and the modularity of analytical products, makes it easy to obtain a wider range of design possibilities by assembling different glass blocks (shape, color, transparency, size, polishing, etc.). In potentially infinite combinations.
Further analytical studies and laboratory tests will be carried out to further characterize the performance of this new component, including not only electrical, optical and thermal properties, but also all basic building requirements. Experimental tests, in particular, can also verify the results and effectiveness of this analytical method and compare the results of this study with the real behavior of the prototype. In fact, one of the goals of this study is to define an easily reproducible and reliable method to rapidly obtain the main energy performance indicators (i.e., thermal transmittance, visible transmittance, solar factor, electricity) of DSC integrated glass block modules, resulting from changes in the characteristics of sub-modules, especially changes in the selection of integrated solar modules. In view of these main indicators, it is possible to select the most adaptable balance of all requirements during the design phase, with the support of building simulation tools. This approach fits perfectly with the positions of different authors, such as Loonen et al. [18], who point out that building simulation is a useful additional tool for developing innovative building envelope components, often used to support informed decision-making in the building design process.
As a result, these new types of multifunctional components are not only elements for power generation, but also for the aesthetic stability and technical optimization of buildings, and even "passively" contribute to energy efficiency and indoor comfort. In fact, as translucent photovoltaic (STPV) products are installed as technical elements of the building envelope, these can be used in place of absorption, tinted glass or ceramic fragments [19] to meet a variety of building requirements, such as shading in summer to reduce cooling loads, solar gain and insulation to reduce heat loads in winter, daylighting to reduce artificial lighting loads, and so on...... [20]。
