Computational toolkit for early-stage cost assessment and optimisation of BIPV façades

Abstract

Reduction of energy consumption and to increase its generation is necessary, as the population lives in urban settlements consume three-quarters of global resources, and these numbers are continually growing. Building-integrated photovoltaic panels (BIPV) which would assist for the resolution of the problem can be applied by replacing the façade cladding with BIPV panels whenever possible. The optimum orientation of PV panels for the Netherlands is south with an angle of 37°, which maximises total electricity production. While the process is simple for new buildings and systems installed in areas with no orientation restrictions or horizon obstructions, the scenario becomes more challenging in urban settlements. As the premises cannot be reoriented in an urban context, solutions may be finding the best places to install BIPV panels on the façade and tilting them. This process can be deployed simultaneously with the building refurbishment that is needed to reach the current envelope insulation standards. Tilting can increase the energy yield, but this would increase the production costs and thus, initial investment costs. The balance between energy yield and added production costs can be found by locating the right panel in the right place on a limited budget. In this study, an early-stage computational design method to optimally allocate and reorient BIPV façade modules to reach a cost-effective and applicable solution is presented. The method was tested in a case setting of a concrete façade retrofit.