Abstracts – Browse Results
Click on the titles below to expand the information about each abstract.
Viewing 1 results ...
Uniacke, H (2001) Design of a low cost ventilated photovoltaic cladding, Unpublished PhD Thesis, , Cardiff University (United Kingdom).
- Type: Thesis
- Keywords: durability; market; façade; building design; UK; simulation
- ISBN/ISSN:
- URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/1807613319
- Abstract:
The mass production of photovoltaic building components is key to providing cost-competitive grid-connected photovoltaic installations; this thesis examines the feasibility of using a conventional steel cladding element as a photovoltaic device and the possibility of incorporating a ventilated façade into the cladding product. The main concepts developed in this thesis, for the design and manufacture of the proposed cladding have been patented (GB 2340993A; Uniacke, John, Spratt).Components of product development are examined, including the development of a low-cost laminate and a high volume method of lamination. Several laminates, based on flexible amorphous silicon photovoltaic material, are developed and tested for durability and performance. A hot-melt adhesive laminate, based on a reformulated commercial blend of ethyl vinyl acetate, is shown to be the most promising. An integrated approach means that concepts of manufacture, performance and cost are considered in the laminate development process.The performance of the ventilated cavity component is assessed using software developed from a model by Brinkworth et al. [2000]; a simulation of an out-of-town steel clad superstore is used as an example, examining the potential for forced fresh-air pre-heat and natural ventilation. It is shown that the product could produce energy savings that could reduce gas consumption by 6% and reduce reliance on grid electricity by 12%. The results show that the building design, energy usage and location are key factors in determining the usefulness of employing a ventilated cavity. Of key significance is the ability to produce a standardised building component, based on existing profiled steel cladding; in some instances gaps significantly in excess of 10 cm (the maximum gap available if employing standard steel profiles) are required for effective use of the façade.The economics of the basic product, excluding a ventilated component, are assessed using predicted market sale prices, volume demand and estimated costs of manufacture. It is estimated that a UK user of the product would not be able to justify the expense of a photovoltaic component based on economics alone until after 2010, but that the manufacturer is likely to be able to justify a considerable profit margin during this period.