Title: Contemporary architecture with glass facades facing the energy efficiency of solar materials (VPV-IGU) in the hot climate of the Saharan region - a case study in Bechar

Authors: Khadidja Khencha; Ratiba Wided Biara; Hocine Belmili

Addresses: University Tahri Mohamed Bechar, ARCHIPEL Laboratory, 08000, Bechar, Algeria ' University Tahri Mohamed Bechar, ARCHIPEL Laboratory, 08000, Bechar, Algeria ' Unité de Développement des Equipements Solaires (UDES), Centre de Développement des Energies Renouvelables (CDER), 42415 Tipaza, Algeria

Abstract: This paper discusses a comparative study of four types of glazing materials using in contemporary architecture. The first one is the clear and simple glazing, the double glazing, and the third one the Semi Transparent Photovoltaic (STPV), and the Vacuum Photovoltaic Insulated Glass Unit (VPV-IGU). Firstly, the paper presents a small historical review concerning the use of glazing in contemporary architecture in the world and in Algeria. The present study is based on developing a building model situated in the south of Algeria characterised by specific meteorological conditions, a very hot climate. With a curtain wall design under TRNSYS to compare in the effect of each type of glazes on thermal performance inside the building and on the human comfort (heat gain, heat losses, thermal load and lighting energy). Finally, the energy generated for the different types of glass used in this contemporary building was evaluated to determine its efficiency.

Keywords: STPV; semi-transparent photovoltaic; VPV IGU; vacuum photovoltaic insulated glass unit; TRNSYS; energy efficiency; thermal performance; power generation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2021.118929

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2021 Vol.43 No.5/6, pp.534 - 570

Received: 02 Jan 2020
Accepted: 23 Sep 2020
Published online: 12 Nov 2021 *

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