The study of a double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells in a rural building

Abstract CdTe cells have many advantages such as high electrical efficiency, and low cost. Few studies on PV windows combined with CdTe cells exist. The PV windows investigated in the past were mainly designed for cooling needs. In this work, a double-skin ventilated window integrated with CdTe cells (CdTe-DSV) was proposed, which could meet seasonal thermal demands. A mathematical model of the proposed window was developed and validated against experimental data. Based on the model, firstly, the thermal comfort in a building with the proposed window was discussed. Secondly, the energy performance (including heat, daylight, PV output) of the proposed window was analysed and compared with that of the a-Si-DSV window. Finally, the effects of cavity depth, and PV coverage ratio on energy performance were evaluated. The results indicated that the CdTe-DSV window could ensure a relatively neutral thermal sensation. The energy saving of heat transmission in winter and summer was 205.76kwh and 333.09kwh respectively. The CdTe-DSV window had a higher PV output than the a-Si-DSV window by 62%. The increase of PV coverage can decrease the cooling load and increase the heating load. Increasing the air cavity depth is always beneficial to energy saving.