Solarvalley PV-Face: Leading-Edge Cluster Solar Valley Central Germany photovoltaic integration in facades
Sub-project: Architecture, structural engineering and overall evaluation of system technology
| Project number | 03SF0406E |
| Project director | Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bernhard Weller |
| Employees | Dipl.-Ing. Architektin Stefanie Flohr, Dipl.-Ing. (FH) Claudia Hemmerle |
| Funding | BMBF/Projektträger Jülich |
| Period | 2011-2013 |
Objectives and work programme
As a follow-on project from the sub-project PV – Building and System Integration (BIPV), the Leading-Edge Cluster Solar Valley has dedicated the PV-Face project to integrating photovoltaic elements into the facade, with involvement from facade manufacturers. The partners work together to design high-quality system solutions for four different construction principles, optimise the planning processes and create demonstrations to present to the public. The project intends to develop both opaque and semi-transparent PV elements for ventilated and non-ventilated facades, as well as new mounting systems.
The structural spectrum allows for a fundamental analysis of the additional stress in photovoltaic elements that results from the new area of application in various facade structures. The specifications based on this analysis facilitate technological development. In addition to the relevant requirements of the module in terms of dimensions, weight and output behaviour, architectural aspects and matters of electrical safety are also considered in the development of adapted joining techniques (e.g. adhesive bonding), standardised installation procedures and optimised wiring variants.
In cooperation with the facade manufacturers, the planning processes are to be optimised to facilitate the use of photovoltaics in construction. Ultimately, the presentation of single-storey-tall demonstrations at various trade fairs is intended to allay any initial fears about photovoltaics in facades for architects, builders, and project developers. Within this collaborative project, the Institute manages all academic aspects, uses its architectural and structural expertise to take responsibility for the work packages for the boundary and framework conditions and presents information about the evaluation and distribution, including an overall assessment of sustainability. The Institute offers support to industry partners in facade development and collects experimental evidence relating to everything form small-scale sample testing, right up to full-sized prototypes. The examples of systems realised based on the experimental findings and practical experience gained during the course of the project will be used to develop regulations for application in construction. More information available at www.solarvalley.org.