Design of multi-objective optimized dynamic photovoltaic shades and thin films

Louvered building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) shade systems have shown multiple benefits in terms of power generation, control of solar heat gain, as well as optimization of ideal daylighting conditions. In this work, the multi-objective optimization and design of both static and dynamically re-configurable BIPV systems are explored, both in horizontal and vertical orientations, and for a range of diverse geographical locations. The full configuration of the designs are optimized, including number and length of shades, as well as the optimal angle at multiple dynamic frequencies. The results demonstrate that when considering the increased cost and complexity of movable shades, the relative improvements in their overall value are unlikely to be worthwhile. Emerging technology of thin-film BIPV window covers are further compared, showing that the relative value of thin-film systems can be significantly lower than louvered systems, and that the optimal absorptance of thin-films is generally >75%, with low values (less than 30%) often showing no net value. A generalized overall efficient compromise solution with angles of 65∘, 0.5 m length and area equal to the window area is found to work well in the four diverse environment studied. Finally, it is shown that even with temperature increases under extreme climate change projections, optimal solutions remain stable.