Optimal Design of Building-Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) Systems for Electrical Load Supply and Thermal Control in Hot and Arid Climates
Keywords:
Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), Electrical load supply, Hot and arid climates, Interdisciplinary design, Sustainable architecture, Thermal performanceAbstract
The integration of renewable energy systems into buildings is rapidly transforming the energy and environmental performance of the built environment. Among these, building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems stand out as an innovative solution that simultaneously generates clean electricity and enhances the thermal performance of buildings. This paper presents a multidisciplinary study that combines civil and electrical engineering perspectives to develop an optimal design strategy for BIPV systems in hot and arid climates, with a particular focus on Yazd, Iran. Utilizing advanced simulation platforms such as EnergyPlus for building energy modeling and PVSyst for photovoltaic system performance analysis, the study examines multiple configurations including panel orientation, tilt angles, integration strategies, and ventilation mechanisms. Results reveal that optimized BIPV configurations not only increase solar energy conversion efficiency but also significantly mitigate indoor thermal stress by providing effective shading and ventilation, leading to reductions in cooling loads. Economic assessments demonstrate that these designs offer attractive payback periods and contribute to sustainability goals by lowering carbon footprints.
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