Numerical Analysis of the Impact of Environmental Conditions on the BIPV Systems, an Overview of BIPV Modelling in the SOPHIA Project

The advantage of BIPV systems is to obtain multifunctional building envelope by adding functions such as weather impact protection in addition to electro-technical properties. Based on the results of the BIPV task of SOPHIA research program, the main purpose of this work is to analyze the thermal related electrical behaviour of BIPV systems according to environmental conditions. Various steady state and dynamic numerical models have been realized by the partners. CEA INES developed in TRNSYS software a 2D steady-state model of PV modules integrated into roof. AIT uses different approaches of modeling: a stochastic volumetric path tracing of spectral light, infrared and visible absorption and emission of surfaces, local average of illumination respecting local climate, surrounding buildings. Fraunhofer ISE realized a steady-state temperature model for BIPV systems, including the dependence on the cell operation mode. In order to evaluate all relevant aspects in BIPV applications, a real-time power balance model has been developed at Fraunhofer IWES in holistic approach. In order to evaluate the accuracy and the relevance of numerical models, they present an overview and an analysis of the existing optical, thermal and electrical models.