PVT Facade: Developing an adhesive bonding process and a facade anchor to produce a long-life and fire-safe photovoltaic/solar thermal facade system

Objectives and work programme

In the PVT Facade research project, a facade system is to be developed that generates both electricity and heat, and thus contribute to the implementation of the Federal Government’s climate and energy goals. A photovoltaic (PV) module is connected to a heat exchanger and affixed to the building’s support structure using a substructure for holding a rear-ventilated curtain facade element. The combination of an electricity-generating PV module with a heat-generating heat exchanger brings several benefits. When the PV module reaches higher temperatures, it works more effectively. Combining the PV module with a heat exchanger that draws away the heat increases the overall efficiency of the PV module. Moreover, the building can also be cooled via the PVT facade panel. In buildings with lots of glass and a high internal heat input, the thermal energy from the rooms to be cooled can be transmitted to the cooler outside air during the night via the hybrid facade panel. In addition to investigations into increasing the efficiency of the PV modules using an outdoor exposure testing rig, the Institute of Building Construction also develops structural solutions for connecting the PV module to the heat exchanger. In doing so, externally visible mounting structures will be minimised for aesthetic considerations, and for ease of access to the system, the PV modules will be suspended reversibly in the heat exchanger located behind it. In order to achieve both of these goals, load-bearing adhesive bonds and suspension structures are to be developed and tested which will be used to connect the rear of the PV modules to the heat exchanger by suspending it on a hook, meaning that it is not visible from the exterior and has high degree of heat conductivity.

Partners

ELODRIVE GmbH, Rösrath
Architektur- und TGA-Planungsbüro Carsten Grobe Passivhaus, Hannover