Author(s)

INÊS SIMÕES, NUNO SIMÕES, INÊS SANTOS, MICHAEL BRETT, SÉRGIO TADEU, HÉLDER SILVA

Abstract

Concerns about increasing comfort levels, reducing energy consumption, reducing waste and using natural, recyclable and reusable products is forcing the construction industry to invest in research and the development of innovative solutions that address these goals. There is still a great market demand for having glazing architectural solutions without neglecting all the other functional characteristics. In this context, a sustainable kit solution for façades was developed, consisting of a modular system that allows the combination of several functionalities and configurations. The system integrates the use of expanded cork (Insulation Cork Boards – ICB) and photovoltaic (PV) glass fastened to the support structure (wall) using an innovative fixation system which allows the disuse of frame profiles, resulting in façades with an elegant appearance. This system feature has both architectural and technical integration advantages. The first part of the paper presents the system’s physical behaviour when subjected to real climate conditions. The study was performed on a prototype installed and monitored in the central region of Portugal. In addition, and to better quantify the benefits of having a solution that combines a low thermal resistance envelope using natural thermal insulation and PV energy production, a life cycle of the full solution is performed.

Keywords

photovoltaic façade, PV’s energy production, life cycle