Experimental investigation of performance of a multi-purpose PV-slat window

This paper reports on experimental investigation of performance of a new type of PV-slat window (PV-SW). The main functions of this PV-SW are as follows: to admit sufficient daylight, to act as a shading device for decreasing direct heat gain through window glazing and to ensure indoor air movement, which improves residentʹs thermal comfort. To assess the performance of this PV-SW, two test rooms of 1×1×1.5 m3 (H:W:L) volume were built using plywood and gypsum boards. At the first, the PV-SW of 0.5×0.6 m2 surface area was located at the south-facing wall whereas the other room was equipped with a commercial transparent slat window of the same size. -SW consists of six PV slats. The photovoltaic cells were connected in series giving a maximum electrical power output of 36 W (12 V×3 A). The circuit was connected to a direct current axial fan, located inside the room, that requires a maximum power of 43 W. The analysis of performance of this PV-SW was investigated based on power output, daylight factor and temperature difference between indoor and ambient. perimental results showed that this multi-purpose PV-SW is extremely interesting as it can produce power up to 15 W, decrease indoor temperature and provide sufficient light for housing. The maximum indoor illumination was about 750 lx with slats angle of 68°. The room temperature was about 2–3oC lower than that of room equipped with transparent slats.