The efficiency of PV panels decreases after they attain a temperature of 35 degrees. This project aims to prevent the effect of heat on the PV panels in the façade of the buildings, using a passive cooling system of water evaporation. A system of clay mixture and PV cells is proposed with clay playing the role of water absorbent. The componentproposed is assembled to a system that can work both as a second skin in the façade of a building and as an exterior wall separator. The design enables different aesthetic approaches and may also serve as a cooling system not just for the PV panels but also for the building’s facade. As for the application context we considered warm and dry climates like India. Design Steps:
Increasing the efficiency of PVs though evaporative cooling
• To increase the absorption capacity of the clay, a mixture of clay, chamotte and saw dust is proposed. After the kiln process the final mixture acquires a high porosity. • Air is also an important factor for evaporation. Computational methods allowed us to optimize the ceramic-PV component, for good airflow. • Shade cast on the PV panels should be also avoided. To this scope simulation through computational methods was also used. • In dry seasons collecting water is essential. Therefore, apart from rainwater collection, the system is designed for good internal water transportation and absorption
optimize solar radiation
increase evaporation
increase convection
concepts
the final component the final component
sawdust-clay-chamotte
experimenting with materialities
Students:
Dimitrios Ntoupas, Jens Slagter, Juan Cruz
Rhea Ishani, Stella Pavlidou
Supervisor:
Dr.-Ing. Marcel Bilow, Ir. Nadia Remmerswaal
exploded module