Title:	Bio-Inspired Design of a Dynamic Solar Photovoltaic Envelope with Evolving Functionalities
Author(s):	J. Ratovonkery, Y.B. Assoa, C. Ménézo
Keywords:	Thermal Performance, Electrical Performance, Photovoltaic Façade, Bio-inspiration, Adaptive
Topic:	PV Applications and Integration
Subtopic:	PV on/in Buildings, Infrastructure, Landscape, Water and Nature
Event:	37th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition
Session:	6CV.2.26
Pages:	1951 - 1955
ISBN:	3-936338-73-6
Paper DOI:	10.4229/EUPVSEC20202020-6CV.2.26
Price:	0,00 EUR
Document(s):	paper, poster

Abstract/Summary:

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Integration of photovoltaic components on building envelope is an essential solution to obtain Nearly Zero Energy Building. In order to permanently optimize electrical and thermal performances of photovoltaic facade, the facade functionalities should adapt and evolve with climatic and weather conditions. Bio-inspired design is a breakthrough approach to provide adaptability to physical, mechanical and optical properties of photovoltaic envelope. Therefore, this paper presents numerical parametric studies of a photovoltaic ventilated facade realized with the purpose to identify the properties that should acquire adaptive feature. In addition, physics related to the identified parameters allow paving the way for the search and the selection of suitable biological adaptive mechanisms. The results of this study indicate that radiative and optical properties of the photovoltaic ventilated facade are the most influential and conflict-inducing parameters on both its electrical and thermal performances. Thus, to provide adaptability to those properties, biological search should be led on live species dealing with extreme heat and radiation and developing adaptive functions aiming to control solar radiation intake.