Rooftop photovoltaic system as a shading device for uninsulated buildings

Abstract

This research aimed to evaluate the thermal performance of rooftop PV as a shading element on uninsulated roof-related HVAC energy consumption of buildings in a moderate dry–warm climate zone. A transient-state 3D distributed thermal model was developed of the PV-added rooftop components. Photovoltaic (PV) solar rooftops as shading devices were constructed using Integrated Environmental Solution-Virtual Environment Software to predict the reduction and increase in heating and cooling loads connected with the roof floor each month. The impact of rooftop PV systems on a building’s roof-related energy burden was quantified about a low-rise residential building in a moderate dry–warm climate zone represented by the city of Amman in Jordan. The results indicated that PV roof structure reduced heat gain by 10.87% during the summer and increased heat loss by 3.8% during the winter. In the summer season, the electricity demand for indoor cooling declined, but the demand for indoor heating increased slightly. The investigation focused on a middle-income home in Jordan’s capital, Amman. The limitations imposed by building rooftops on the use of PV were also investigated in this research and the findings validate the importance of providing environmental authorities, the construction industry, and ordinary individuals with important guidelines on the use of renewable energy to heat and cool buildings. Consequently, this analysis enhances awareness of a building’s overall energy needs, which are crucial for the future design of sustainable buildings.

Keywords

• Rooftop
• PV
• Shading
• Uninsulated buildings
• Jordan
• Moderate dry–warm climate