On the development of a façade-integrated solar water storage

Abstract

The integration of active solar thermal technologies into building envelopes has recently received a rising attention, promoted within international projects as IEA Task 56 or Cost Action 1403. Although the façade integration of solar thermal collectors is a long debated topic, less attention is paid to the building integration of solar water storages. The scope of the paper is to highlight the main barriers experienced in the development of a façade-integrated solar water storage. This activity is a part of the SunRise project that aims to develop new unitized curtain wall element for tertiary office buildings. The façade element integrates a complete solar thermal system consisting of a solar collector, a hot water storage, a radiant panel and all the required operation components. A mock-up of the solar facade is manufactured to identify practical constructive issues. The thermal behaviour of the tank is analysed through FEM simulations and laboratory tests.

Keywords

• Solar active envelope systems
• Building integration
• Product development
• Heat storage