Energy Efficiency in Building Based on the BIPV Panels System Used as a Double Skin Envelop in a Hot Arid Region

Abstract

This paper aims to solve one of the energy issues using specific new building designs using the building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels as a double skin envelope. The BIPV system can be an innovative material for the building envelope during the design process as a: frame component, curtain wall or shading device. In addition to its power generation, the use of the BIPV can be an integrated part of the design of future envelopes and in the energy renovation of old buildings; these systems can produce renewable energy, minimize energy consumption, provide adequate indoor comfort and have less impact on the environment. As an external envelope of the buildings and a source of energy, the BIPV systems can represent the architectural appearance and aesthetic arrangements of the future building. Our investigation is based on an Energy report in many existing office buildings in a hot arid region of Algeria in order to assess their energy consumption, thereafter; calculate the energy yield after the BIPV hypothetical use in building architecture. The important result shows that the BIPV system enhances energy consumption with different percentages of the total energy consumption per year (Building sample 1: 50%, Building sample 2: 30% and Building sample 3: 65%) this is due to many architectural elements; such as: envelop form, shading devices, opening ratio, and environment masks. The major conclusion of the research reveals that The BIPV systems can preserve the architectural aesthetic appearance as well as enhancement of energy consumption.