Book

Description

The building sector is considered to be the primary energy consumer in Tunisia. So, it is important to target the energy consumption of this sector as a key factor to minimize the nation's energy consumption. The energy consumption of the building sector can be reduced considerably by using renewable energy sources such as building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) which is a promoting solution for such a problem. However, PV modules are characterized by their low electrical efficiency due to the increase of their temperature by the Joule effect. To overcome this drawback, the use of the PCM as a passive method to improve the thermal and electrical performances of the system is highly recommended. Yet, pure phase change materials are known for low thermal conductivity. Inserting metallic fins or nanoparticles in the PCM enhances its thermal conductivity leading therefore to an improvement in the heat transfer rate. Interesting findings are found and summarized in the present book. BIPV, BIPV-PCM and BIPV-FPCM systems are compared.