Evaluation Study Design and Operation of a Building Integrated Photovoltaic System

Energy produced by photovoltaic panels is affected by orientation and tilting angle. Therefore in Building Integration Photovoltaic BIPV systems challenges in maximizing power supply occur in its usage as building envelopes or on greenhouse rooftops. This study has used an actual experiment to compare the effects of orientations south, east or west and tilting angle of 30° or 15° on power generated, and it has tested the effects of different inverter-MPPT set-ups. Experimental data have been compared with a simulation model built in MATLAB. Modelling agreed with the results obtained from the experiments. The results demonstrated the need for dividing the PV panels into two segments groups, each with the same orientation, and each with their own MPPT channel. Combining panel strings with different orientations in a single MPPT leads to significant loss in efficiency. These results demonstrate that for BIPV the planning and design of the photovoltaic power supply must be done in during the planning and design of the building itself.