Basseterre BIPV solar curtain wall

What is a BIPV/T curtain wall?

Rendering of the BIPV/T curtain wall concept. The curtain wall design is modified to facilitate an air channel, while frameless PV modules replace the glazing section. The experimental BIPV/T curtain wall prototype was conceived and developed as a part of a larger system (Fig. 3).

What is a semi-transparent BIPV glass curtain wall?

The semi-transparent BIPV glass curtain wall is based on the conventional unitised glass curtain wall integrated with PV technologies. The PV modules replace the vison windows or spandrel panels that were previously installed within the aluminium extrusion frame system.

Can a BIPV/T curtain wall improve thermal efficiency?

A BIPV/T curtain wall prototype was studied experimentally in an indoor solar simulator facility. Thermal enhancement techniques, including multiple inlets, semi-transparent instead of opaque PV and a newly introduced flow deflector were evaluated. Test results showed a thermal efficiency of up to 33%.

Is a BIPV/T curtain wall a complete building envelope solution?

This study presented the design, development and testing of a novel BIPV/T curtain wall prototype. The developed system has the potential for prefabrication and modularization, and it is intended as a complete building envelope solution. The design of the prototype was based on structural, architectural and building envelope requirements.