Design and Experimental Analysis of Multi-Functional Building-Integrated PV System for Adaptive Energy Generation and Thermal Management

This paper introduces a hybrid building-integrated photovoltaic façade that brings together a 240 Wp mono PERC photovoltaic (PV) module and an electrically switchable Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal glazing unit within a single layered component. The main novelty of the proposed system is that the PV module and the smart glass layer are not treated as independent façade elements; instead, they are integrated to create a direct optical and functional interaction within the same building envelope component. The design enables controlled interaction between solar radiation, the PV cells, and the interior environment. By adjusting the optical state of the glazing, the façade can influence the amount of light entering the building while also affecting the irradiance received by the PV cells. In this way, the proposed façade provides two adaptive operating modes: a transparent mode that supports daylight transmission and indoor visual comfort, and a non-transparent mode that enhances effective irradiance on the PV cells through diffuse reflection. Experimental investigations carried out under real outdoor conditions, together with finite element thermal modeling, are used to evaluate electrical output and temperature behavior. Unlike conventional BIPV or smart glass applications, the proposed structure simultaneously addresses electricity generation, daylight regulation, and thermal management in a single multifunctional façade system. The results indicate that the integrated configuration yields nearly 4% higher energy production compared to a reference PV module, and that electrical output increases by about 5% when the glazing is in its non-transparent state. These findings highlight the potential of the proposed system to enhance both on-site electricity generation and indoor environmental performance in sustainable building applications.