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The document discusses the importance of integrating renewable energy sources in buildings to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change, and enhance sustainability. It outlines various types of renewable energy technologies, such as solar, wind, and biomass, and emphasizes the benefits of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and Solar Water Heating (SWH) systems. Additionally, it highlights the challenges and future trends in renewable energy integration within the architectural and urban development sectors.
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MODULE - V
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BUILDINGS
BLE ENERGY IN BUILDINGS
a damental requirement for human survival and development. With the
a the demand for energy in buildings has increased ‘tremendously. In
he world's total energy, mainly for lighting, heating, cooling,
ae comes from conventional fossil fuel-based sources such asc
fe this i” ved human progress for centuries, they are finite, depleting at an ala
a cchas ait pollution, global warming, and climate change.
growth of population,
fact, studies show that
ventilation, and ‘Operation of
0al, ol, and natural gas. While
ming rate, and are the primary
iiation
V5
of tl
eaty 40%
em acge stare
om su
a 5005
eau it essential 10 shift toward renewable energy sources those that are naturally replenished
_ seh The integration of renewable i n
63S friendly. eg energy in buildings is not only a technical innovation but
oem environmental necessity
rpc
f ae wable Ener , in Buildings is Important?
patio
Ren
1 es sustainability: By reducing dependency on fos fuels, renewable enegy minimizes genhase gu
igating climate change and protecting ecosystems,
i aby miti
sons tnerey
uty, Reneable resources are local avaiable (night, wind, gethemal het, tomas) reducing the
«He essed wih imported fos fas
wh ‘
i jc Advantages: Although initial investment costs may be high, renewable energy systems often reduce
long term and increase the property's value,
d cpeational costs in th
Clean energy improves indoor and outdoor air quality, reducing the health sks assoited with
«Heath and comfort:
suring fossil fuels
«toe and Global Goals: Adoption of renewable energy directly supports international commitment ike the Pris
Tate agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7: Afrdable and Clan Energy: SOG 11
sutainable Ces and Communities; SOG 13: Climate Action).
_ 2 ypesof Renewable Energy in Buildings
| nan vz varius forms of renewable energy depending ‘on their location, climate, design, and energy demand
"1 Solar Energy
| Solar Photovoltaic (PV): Converts sunlight directly into electricity. Can be rooftop-mounted or integrated into building
: ‘aades Building-Integrated Photovoltaics - BIPV)
{Solar Thermal: Uses solar collectors to heat water or air, which can then be used for domestic hot wate, space heating,
| oF cooling (solar-assisted chillers).
1 Wind Enrgy: Small-scale wind turbines can be installed on rooftops or nearby open areas to generate electricity for
‘vidual buildings or clusters.
ibined heat
5 Biomass Energy: Biomass (wood, agricultural residues organic waste) canbe used for heating cooking, Com
‘4 power (CHP) generation in buildings.
thermal Energy:
, heating and cooling of
‘ Ground source Heat Pumps (GSHPs} Expl the stable underground temerare 6 =
buildings. ‘ i 7 reliable electricity
* Wo Hydeopower: In rr or small-scale hydropower systems 2° eo
‘build é ET
—2eldngs or communities.ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS (52) RENEWABLE
: - BLE ENERG
ENERGY
Building Integration Approaches
al power plants, renewable energy in buildings emphasizes on site or decentralized gene
Neration,
Unlike tradition:
include:
«© On-Site Integration: PV panels on rooftops, solar water heaters, or geothermal heat pumps direct) z
AY Serve the
needs.
+ Grid-Connec
from it when needed.
+ Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZ!
ewable generation, leading to nearly zero net energ)
ted Systems: Buildings equipped with renewable systems can export surplus energy
0 the
on
ty
EBs); A concept where the total annual energy demand of a buildin
ing is mate
on-site ren y consumption.
Challenges and Considerations
ble eneray in buildings is promising, several factors must be considered:
or geothermal resources vary from region to region
and envelope design influence renewabl
a na SEO le energy Utica
d wind), integration with batteries, thermal storage, o, h
While renewal
Climatic Suitability: Solar potential, wind availability,
Design Factors: Building orientation, roof slope, shadin¢
Storage Systems: Due to intermittency (e.g. solar an
systems is often necessary
«Economic Viability: High initial investme
Technical Integration: Smart grids, energ}
efficiency.
3. Future of Renewable Energ) Buildi
imited to technology installation: it represents a paradigm shift in building
rs contributing to sustainable
The integration of renewable energy 'S not li
philosophy. Buildings are no longer passive consumers but active energy eae? ee
ecosystems. Future cities will feature smart buildings with integrated solar facades, hybrid renewable systems, energy s
and Al-based energy management systems
As governments, industries, ‘and societies embrace the concept of low-carbon and net-Zero buildin:
al role in shaping the future of sustainable architecture ‘and urban development.
renewable energy in buildings 's ¢ critical step toward addressing the global energy bat asia
‘wth. By adopting solar, wind, biomass, geothermal. and micro-hydro technologies, buildings
contribute positively to the environment, ‘economy, and society This ch
and oppo! renewable energy in b
nt costs and payback periods may deter adoption without financial incent
yy management systems, and advanced materials are required to ma
gs, renewable energy
nt
acet reducing emiss
The use of
achieving sustainable 9f0
into self-sufficient, eco-friendly systems that
explore in depth the technologies integration
strategies, challenges, tunities related to(5.3)
WENEWABLE RMBSGY IM
BUILDINGS
consumers of energy worldwide, accounting for near) A
- ly 40% of global ens
Vergy Use ay
fd 9 sigs
vficant
9
| demand arises primarily ror
one ssi ; y from lighting, space heatin
rianceS qraditionall 1g and cool
a? Ng, ventilation
jronment mf,
es are finite, envi"? ally damaging, and “scdeiska divaedh water heating,
y to air poll
lution,
global war
ming, and
ly, this demand has be
en mel
through fossil fuels such
ch as coal,
pal, oil, and 1
vatural
«integration of renew
e ee energ) able energy sources in buildings t
7 soure a
ater flows Re % are those that are ca ig tncommet bes acoso
e fossil replenis . a
fuels, they are clean, Se ca sich ak aalia ue
and erwin on,
jonmentally f
fiery
and wi
ient building designs
es sore ;
+ modern ener effici
Buildings?
dependence
Fg pili?
ts?! my agate Minimizes 9!
on fossil f
iI fuels and supports long-term energ
reenhouse gas emi ae
issions and air pollutants, contributi imate
; jing to cli
change
wers operational
costs over the building's lifecycle, des
, despite higher init
tial investment:
s
gat
tT dvatag® MW
dence: Enables om si
ite or local generation, reducing relianc
e on centraliz
1ed power plants.
al Goals: Al nal ini e the Pi and
igns with international initiatives like th
aris. Agreement
bi t UN Sustait
Glol stainable
igi
ic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity.
ems provide hot water and space heating
1ed Photovoltaics ® mu on
otovoltaics (BIPV) replace conventional construction materials with
ior
Is with solar panel
is on facades or
: oo 00D
jr ratovort
. solar ‘Thermal
‘ suing tears
rooftops
1 wind Energy
regions
energy: Organic waste wood, ‘
3 , wood, and a ;
power (cH) systems gricultural residues can be used for pe
1, cooking, or Combined
Heat and
4, eathermal Energy Groun
small-scale rooftop oF nearby wind turbines can generate elt
te electricity for buildings,
particularly in wi
indy
\d Sot
yurce Heat Pumps (GSHPs) utilize stable underground temperatures
for efficient heatit
ing and
cooling
‘ Micro-Hydropower= In areas with flowi
lowil jropower
puldings or communities vi can provide decentralized renewable eneray
integration Approaches q
+ On-Site Systems:
: ae PV, solar water heaters, geothermal heat pumps directly installed building.
Comt ;
bei Systems: Combination of multiple renewables (e.9, solar + wind + battery eae
storage) for reliability
renewable energy a5 they consume
+ Net Zero Energy Bui
ildings (NZEBs): Buildings designed to generate as much
annually.
The integration of
renewable sources in bui lings
iidings is more than an
energy solution it isa step
; te
biomass, geothermal, and micro-hydro systems, buildings (2°
resience, and ect ef izing solar, wind,
b ‘nomic effic ili
iency. By utilizi i
anslorm from being passive consumers of energy into active produce
Jean energy future.
balding.
\integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) jis a modern
balding envelope it
pe itself rather than being added
xr ever panes rite wractonel 90)
systems
glass with solar-actve
‘ooops, BIPV replaces conventional
= alifing materials such as root tes
rnENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS 64)
oat RENEWABLE ENERGy
ele
BIPY root
BIPV facade
BIPV
facade
BIPV
window
Fig. 5.2
Thus, BIPV performs three simultaneous roles:
* Building Component: Provides weather protection, insulation, aesthetics, and structural support.
'* Power Generator: Converts solar radiation into clean, renewable electricity.
+ Architectural Element: Enhances the aesthetic appeal of modern sustainable buildings
5.2.1 Historical Background and Evolution of BIPV
© 1970s: The concept of integrating PV modules into building skins emerged during the cil criss when the ned
renewable energy increased.
«19805-1990: Early prototypes of PV-integrated roofs and facades were tested in Europe and Japan.
«2000s Onwards: With advancements in thin-film PY, transparent solar glass, and flexible modules, BIPV became
commercially available.
«Present: BIPV is now seen as a critical element of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and green architecture worldwide
5.2.2 Working Principle of BIPV
BIPV uses the same working principle as traditional PV systems:
«Photovoltaic Effect: When sunlight strikes the PV cells, photons excite electrons, generating Direct Current (D0)
«Inverter: Converts DC to Alternating Current (AC) suitable for building appliances.
+ Integration: PV modules are part of the building's roof, wall, or glass, thereby serving both as a construction material
and energy generator.
5.2.3 Types of BIPV Systems
1. Roof-Integrated BIPV
+ PV shingles, tiles, or laminates replace conventional roof coverings.
'* Suitable for sloped as well as flat roofs.
Example: Tesla Solar Roof.
2. Facade-Integrated BIPV
+ PV panels used as curtain walls or wall claddings.
* Enhances aesthetics, particularly in high-rise buildings.—
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS (5.5) RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BUILDINGS
4 Window and Skylight Integrated BIPV
‘+ Semi-transparent thin-film PV glass allows daylight penetration while generating power
* Can reduce glare and act as thermal insulation.
Example: Onyx Solar's transparent PV glass in office complexes
4. Shading Device Integrated BIPV
* PV panels embedded in sunshades, pergolas, canopies, and louvers.
+ Provide dual function: shading + energy generation
5.24 Materials and Technologies Used in BIPV
* Crystalline Silicon (C-Si) Modul
Thin: i, CdTe, CIGS): Lightweight, flexible, can be semi-transparent.
* Organic PV (OPV): Still under research, highly flexible and colorful
{igh efficiency, long lifespan
Perovskite Solar Cells: Emerging technology with potential for high efficiency and transparency
Advantages of BIPV
* Energy Advantages
> Generates renewable electricity on-site,
> Reduces building's dependency on grid power
Supports Net Zero and Net Positive Energy concepts.
Architectural and Aesthetic Advantages
> Integrated into design; no bulky appearance.
> Wide range of colors, patterns, and transparencies
* Economic Advantages
|
| > Saves cost of traditional building materials.
> Reduces long-term electricity bills,
> May qualify for green building subsidies or tax incentives.
* Environmental Advantages
> Reduces carbon footprint.
> Enhances sustainability certifications (LEED, BREEAM, GRIHA, IGBC).
Challenges of BIPV
* High Initial Cost: Compared to traditional materials.
* _ Efficiency Losses: Due to non-optimal orientation or shading from surrounding structures.
* Integration Complexity: Requires collaboration between architects, engineers, and PV experts.
* Maintenance: Cleaning and replacing facade-integrated PV panels is difficult.
* Durability: Needs weatherproofing, fire safety compliance, and structural reliability
Applications of BIPV in Real Buildings
j * Residential: Solar tiles and semi-transparent skylights in villas and homes.
+ Commercial: Office towers with PV curtain walls and shading devices.
* Public Infrastructure: Airports, railway stations, and stadiums integrating PV facades.
: * Educational and Research Institutes: Campuses with net-zero design.
Example Projects Worldwide:
* Apple HQ (USA): BIPV integrated into glass structures.
* _ SwissTech Convention Center (Switzerland): BIPV facade.
* Beijing Olympic Village (China): PV-integrated shading devices.RENEWABL
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS 8) Sa ENERGY ng
Future Trends in BIPV et
+ Smart BIPV with Energy Storage: Integration with batteries and building energy management systems
* Transparent and Colored Solar Glass: To match architectural aestheties without compromising design
+ _JoT-Based Monitoring: Real-time tracking of energy production and consumption
* Urban Energy Independence: Essential for Smart Cities and sustainable urban growth
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics. (BIFV) represents a transformative step in sustainable architecture b
construction, and renewable energy generation. With rapid advancements in PV technology, falling costs, a
on green building standards BIPV is poised to become a mainstream feature in energy-efficient buildi
5.3_ SOLAR WATER HEATING (SWH) SYSTEMS
6: Solar collector
Y Merging de
nd increagn
ofthe future. ee
Storage
tank
=
Auxiliary heater
Fig. 5.3
Solar water heating is one of the most promising applications of renewable energy in buildings. Water heating contributes |
significantly to household and commercial energy consumption, especially in residential, hospitality, hospital, and industial
sectors. Traditionally, electricity, LPG, coal, or diesel are used to heat water, but these sources are expensive and on-sustainable.
A Solar Water Heating (SWH) system uses solar energy to heat water directly or indirectly, thereby reducing dependency on
Conventional fuels and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Since solar radiation is abundantly available in most regions, SWH
's a clean, cost-effective, and reliable technology for long-term use
5.3.1 Working Principle of SWH System
The basic principle of a solar water heating system is the absorption of solar vedi
radiation into heat energy. This heat is transferred to water (or a working fiuid),
storage tank for later use.
‘* During the daytime, the collector absorbs solar radi
‘* At night or cloudy days, water from the insulated
liation by a solar collector, which converts the
which is then stored in a thermally insulated
ation and heats the circulating water.
tank remains hot, and auxiliary heating (electric be used
when solar energy is insufficient. a ae
‘The process depends on thermodynamic principles of conduction, convection, and radiat
5.3.2 Main of SWH System
1. Solar Collector
The heart of the system, responsible for capturing solar energy.(5.7)
RENEWABLE ENERGY IN
BUILDINGS
gn or (ETC:
“ aw ee
f og mule glass tubes with vacuum insulation.
efficient in cold climates.
g day and night
thane foam (PUF,
yn design.
K
bh for use durin
rated with polyuret
, insu!
ry a oy horizontal depending
}) or glass wool to minimize heat loss.
em
com the collector 0 the water.
tank. Simple and cost-effective
$ ws he 7
1 10 ster (1 Loop): Water circulates din
ering in cold Ted
tly through the collector and stags
ions.
Aheat transfer fluid (anti Joop and transfers
heat
\der climates.
pie Oe
a ore
wet m (closed LooP) : freeze solution) circulates in @ dosed
i via 2 heat exchanger Suitable for col.
insulation
tors tO storage taf
PE, insul
Inks.
jlated with foam to prevent heat losses.
Us
} es ects colle
+ Pipes are usually copper/H!
Heater (Optio!
fir
radiation isinsuficent (€9. during 27
nal)
ed boiler 1S integrated to provide hot water when solar
ms (Forced Circulation)
lectors and storage tanks.
ntrollers t circulate water between coll
1. Passive: systems: (Ther ty
+ Nopump Is used; circulation occurs, naturally due to densi
+ Simple, low maintet
Applications of Solar Water Buildings
Residential a eo
Commercial Buildings: Hotels. acters ores hot water
nance, and iPee ee ee
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS
= ee (5.8)
+ Technical Advantages
> Simple technology, low maintenance.
> Long operational life (15-20 years)
> Can be integrated wi
ith modern building desi
Disadvantages of Solar Water Heating aaa
* Dependent ot
n solar radiation (seasonal and geographical variations)
2 R
‘equires sufficient roof/ground area for installation.
* Initial
ers eee is higher compared to conventional heaters.
ee iimates, freezing issues may occur (requires antifreeze syste™)
Example (Numerical Estimation)
Let's assume:
* Family of 4 requires 200 liters/day of hot water at 60°C.
'* Incoming cold water temperature = 25°C.
* AT = 60-25 = 35°C.
© — Specific heat of water (c) = 4.18 ki/kgK
* Mass of water (m) = 200 kg/day.
Heat Required (Q):
Q=m-c-AT
Q = 200x418 35 = 29,260 ki/day
Converting to kWh:
Q= a = 8.13 kWh/day
er heater of 2 m? collector area (approx.
ng the most practical, cost-effective,
dence on electricity and fossil fuels,
y buildings (NZEBs).
) can meet this demand in sunny regions.
‘and eco-friendly solutions for integrating renevatie
they play a crucial role in energy-efficient buiing
‘Thus, one solar wat
Solar Water Heating Systems are amor
‘energy in buildings. By reducing depen
ipute towards achieving net-zero energ)
he scale of individual houses
for on-site power generation at t
‘small turbines can be directy
renewable energy systems designed
II industries. Unlike large wind farms,
integrated into buildings to reduce dependency on grid electricity and promote eners:
541 Characteristics of small Wind Turbines (Expanded)
VAWT
Small wind turbines are
‘schools, offices, and smaljE Net geee ee
(5.9)
HEY AOLE Rk
”
typically 05 KW to 100 KW. & household may need only 4 1-5 Wy HUI,
2 1M tunthne, lle sp
we
ot es nay ue 10-20 WH, Lager community buildings (ha
gina 2 gs (hospitals, institutions
s ) ny secpaine turtpes
wt
f,
eo
“git . Rotor diameters range from 1m for micro-turbines to 2
s 10 20 m Sor larger
os the amount of wind captured and hence the energy output ayers, Vie VheH di 6
ge sutines are mounted on 10-30 m high towers or rooftops, since wind spmed inc
re riiie obstacles such as nearby tall buildings or trees 00d increases with Kenai the
, ee To be effective, turbines usually need average annu
al Wind speed
i oP sion is too low to justify cost erence ee
.' oo Works on aerodynamic lift (for HAWTS) or drag and lift combination
principle or VATS) Minti
* rch arve a generator to produce electric Maan
| ge
AA, opal Wind Turbines
pana Tins (HAWTS)
; ip desgnto arge sea wind turbines.
| ' eames?
horizontal axis parallel to the wind,
nen mechanism to face the wind direction.
, High efficiency (30-40% conversion rate), proven ‘technology.
’ Not suitable for turbulent, multi-directional winds common in urban settings,
Z sounted on open fields near buildings or on tall free-standing towers,
” gades rotate around a vertical axis, perpendicular to the wind.
. cope wind from any direction (no yaw mechanism required).
ypesincude Darrieus turbines (ift-based) and Savonivs turbines (drag-based).
: pdvantages: COMPA casier rooftop instalation, beter in turoulent winds, ow noi
-_. venga ver cnc tan HAATS Ss ARS
+ Hybrid Renewable Systems:
songer at night and during monsoons,
tedanced year-round power SUPPIY-
ocess eleccny con be sored in HuronENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS sii 6.10) é _RENEWABLE ENERGy *
2. _ Institutional and Commercial Buildings
* Schools, colleges, and offices use turbines as educational and research tools while meeting a fraction gp
the
demand, —
‘* Commercial complexes can install 10-20 kW systems to reduce operational costs. c
© Green certifications such as LEED, BREEAM, and GRIHA often give credits for renewable energy integration
3. Rural and Remote Buildings
© Ideal for telecom towers, farmhouses, water pumping systems, and off-grid community centers.
© Incoastal, desert, and hilly regions, where wind speeds are naturally higher, turbines become more economics
* Plays a role in rural electrification programs.
Advantages of Small Wind Turbines in Buildings
* Renewable and Sustainable: Uses a free natural resource (wind) with no fuel cost. Reduces dependence on .,
and contributes to climate change mitigation. Si fg
* Cost Savings: While installation is costly, Ibap tna advantages include reduced electricity bills and Possible
through net metering (feeding surplus electricity back to the grid). Nom
Energy Security: Provides backup during blackouts and improves resilience against power supply disruptions
© Decentralized Power Generation: Produces energy at the consumption point, avoiding transmission losses that
in centralized power plants. Sey
+ Environmental Advantage: Produces zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation, making it cleaner than coy 4
diesel generators.
«Educational Value: A visible technology on rooftops promotes awareness of renewable energy in society.
Disadvantages and Challenges
Wind Availability: Performance depends heavily on location. In densely built cities, wind turbulence reduces effceny
Noise and Vibration Issues: Poorly designed turbines can create aerodynamic noise and cause vibrations that ny
disturb building occupants.
Structural Load Considerations: Rooftop-mounted turbines add dynamic loads; buildings need structural strength
handle these safely.
Aesthetics: Some people consider rooftop turbines unattractive, which can limit adoption in urban neighborhoods.
Initial Investment: Cost per unit of electricity is higher than solar PV. Typical payback periods range 8-15 yeas
depending on site conditions.
Maintenance Requirement: Moving parts (blades, bearings, gearboxes) require regular servicing unlike solar pans
which are mostly maintenance-free.
Future Potential
Technological Advancements: Development of low-noise, aerodynamically efficient VAWTs specifically designed for
rooftops will make small wind turbines more urban-friendly.
Hybrid Energy Systems: Wind combined with solar PV + battery + smart inverter systems can create net-zero ene’)
buildings.
. Government Incentives: Subsidies, feed-in tariffs, and tax advantages can lower installation costs and encoun!
adoption.
«Green Building Certification Push: As net-zero energy targets gain importance globally, integrating smal wo?
turbines will help buildings comply with sustainability norms.
ton trac A eee oe eee eee P= into. building facades, rooftors
flows. :
their performance depends o” ¥##
; resience, and oni 88solar panels Eat
000
Charge controler
he 0 Son fri
Inverter ee
Battery Bank
Fig. 5.5: Standalone PV system
tem is a solar energy-based power generation system that works completely independent of
rid It is widely used in remote areas, rural communities, agricultaral fields, islands, and ies
ere the grid is navailable or unreliable.
designed to capture solar energy, store it in batteries, and supply electricity to the GT ic
connected ut
‘The main feature is self-sufficiency
a ananone FY
onal elect) 9
tons
tems are
nal sources:
veyigon ter
nents of Standalone PV Systems
543, compo
ls (Solar Array)
1. solar PY Pan
these are the primary ‘energy-generating units.
ade from semiconducting materials {commonly crystaline sicon, pelyrystaline, monocrystaling, or thin-film).
re photovoltaic effect is the working principle: sunight photons strike the semiconductor, exciting electrons, and
rating direct current (DC) electricity.
ar cells form 2 module, several modules form 2 panel, and multiple panels connected
/ gener
‘Arrangement: Multiple sol
together form a solar array
Output depends on:
Solar radiation intensity (W/m)
‘Angle of tit and orientation of the panels.
(efficiency decreases at high temperatures).
>
>
> Temperature
: > Dust, shading, and cleanliness.
Typical Efficiency: 15-22% for crystalline silicon modules.
Function: Provides the primary source of power for the system.
2. Charge Controller
: + Serves as the power manager between PV
* Main Functions:
> Prevents overcharging of armen cing snes nae
panels and the battery bankENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS (5.12) RENEWABLE SWERGy
(ii) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT):
» More advanced and efficient (15-25% more power extraction).
> Continuously adjusts the panel operating voltage to maximize power output
* _ Funetion: Ensures battery safety, longevity, and efficient energy management
3. Battery Bank (Energy Storage)
* Acts as the energy reservoir of the system
* Purpose: Stores excess electricity generated during the day for use at night or during cloudy/rainy days
* Design Considerations: Battery capacity depends on load demand and required autonomy period (the Pug,
the system can run without sunlight, usually 2-5 days) ay
Depth of Discharge (DOD): How much stored energy can be safely used without damaging the battery
* Battery Types
(i) Lead-acid Batteries
> Cheapest and widely used.
> Available in flooded, AGM, and GEL types.
> Shorter life (3-5 years).
(ii) Lithium-ion Batteries
> Higher energy density, lighter, longer life (8-12 years).
> Higher cost, but lower maintenance.
(iii) Flow Batteries
> Suitable for large-scale, long-duration storage.
> Still under development for household use.
* Function: Provides uninterrupted power supply during non-sunlight hours.
4, Inverter
© Converts DC electricity (from panels and batteries) into AC electricity, which is used by most appliances
‘© Types of Inverters
() Square Wave and Modified Sine Wave Inverters
> Cheap, suitable for simple loads (fans, lights).
> Not suitable for sensitive electronics.
(ii) Pure Sine Wave Inverters
> High-quality AC output, similar to grid electricity.
> Suitable for computers, refrigerators, medical equipment.
‘© Some inverters are hybrid, combining charge controfer + knerter Supetions,
+ Function: Ensures compatibility of the system with standard household appliances.
5. Electrical Loads
Refers to the appliances and devices powered by the standalone PV system.
* Loads Can Benc
ee i principle
e charge
e: Batter’
yy: Appiances
ty energy cons!
ons
ato
sizing of attery Bank
Battery capacity
Reliability: Pro
+ Sustainabill
+ Cost-Savi
High Initial Cost:
Battery Maintenance:
(step-by-Ste
olar panels absorb
controller reg
ies store surplus eles
inverter convert
draw power
umption (Wh/day) is calc
considered for accuracy.
paily eneray requirement x safety factor
‘Average solar insolation
Daily load x Autonomy days
harge ™ efficiency
Battery depth of disc!
pv size =
ng: Inverter CaP:
Efficiency: Must consider losses in wiring
pv Systems
. Works withou'
ity: Produce:
ing in the Long Te!
jability: CaP:
em: Though initial
Especially due
Requires periodic malntens
(5.43) _
p Process)
sunlight and conv
ert it into DC
electricity.
ulates this energy flow to the battery bank,
3 ank,
ctricity for night-time or cloudy-day use. Deas sharpiaa:
« stored DC electricity into AC power when need
needed.
either directly from PV panels (during daytime) oF fr
‘om batteries (d
luring night/cto
cloudy
ulated.
ter than the peak load demand.
, and battery charging/discharging
for remote/off-grid areas.
5 with frequent power Cuts:
house gas emissions.
cost is almost zero.
panels or batteries.
it utility grid; ideal f
supply in area:
‘energy without green!
and renewable
cost is high, operating
to battery storage
‘autonomy; system ™2Y614) RENEWABLE ENERGY 1y
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDINGS
[5.6 HYBRID SYSTEM — ECONOMICS ia
1A hybrid energy system combines two of more energy sources such as solar PV, wind, biomass, dlesel generators,
storage (batteries) to supply reliable electricity sree pybrid systems provide techincal and environmental adya 8 ens ¢
economic performance determines whether they are practically feasible for households, industries and comics Oy the, me
Cost
i
Capital
en) ee
(CAPEX) system J+} savings
soe [|
Operati Pole
rating eee
meee eee }—»| Payback
(OPEX)
5
Cartoon
—+| credits \
ale
Fig. 5.6
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‘the economic aspects can be analyzed under the following points:
1. Capital Investment (CAPEX)
«Definition: The upfront cost incurre
+ Components of CAPEX
> Generation Units: Cost of solar panels, wind turbines, biomass units, or diesel generators.
+ Storage System: Battery banks, charge controllers, and energy management systems: which can make up 30-40%
of the capital cost.
> Power Conditioning Equipment: Inverters, convert
> Civil and Installation Cost: Mounting structures,
charges.
«Key Point: Hybrid syst
only systems, However,
2. Operating Cost (OPEX)
1d during the installation of the hybrid system
ers, and switchgear.
cabling, electrical panels, land cost (if applicable), and labor
ial investment compared to standalone renewable or cise |
‘ems generally require a higher init
this cost is compensated over time through fuel savings and reduced dependency on the grid,
\
«Definition: The recurring cost of running and maintaining the system. 4
«For Hybrid Renewables: Operating cost s very low for solar and wind, as there are no recurring fuel costs. }
«For Hybrid with Diesel Backup: Fuel expenses add significantly to OPEX. For example, diesel cost fluctuates with |
market prices, which increases uncertainty.
«Maintenance Costs: Wind turbines require lubrication and periodic servicing, batteries need monitoring, and biomass
systems need feedstock preparation. i
+ Key Point: While OPEX is low for pure renewables, it can become moderate if a diesel generator is part of the hybrid 7
system.
'
1
3. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA)
. Definition: A method of calculating the total cost of ownership over the entire iespan of the system (usually
years).
20-25 1RENEWABLE ENERGY IN BUILDINGS
(5.15)
65
of whether the systems economic al in the long run, instead of just fo
\ cusing on
picture
was a eve pic
ape
pe cast of energy (1CO8)
one uit of electricity (kWh) throughout the life of the system,
\
cost of produc
: otal lifetime cost
' LCOE * Total li time energy output (kWh)
rower tcOE means the system is More cost-effective
than diesel-only systems because fuel consumption is
. Hybtl
¢systers usualy achieve 4 lower LCOl
vaste
ons may cost €20 ~ €25 Per Wh, whereas hybrid solar-diesel-battery systems may tring i
i
+ gad?
paseo st
. 2 per
meet 12 per
é of systems
ables share the load. This reduces dep
5 e savings: Diese! consumption |S minimized since renew
i yendency on costly fuel
areas where grid electricity is unreliable.
cies reduce the effective cost of hybrid systems.
ting the cost of long
seootts
sey su stable power SUPP: especially in remote and rural
feverment yes: Subsidies, tax credits, and net metering pol
r so sransmission Costs Hybrid systems can be installed on-site (decentralized), elimina!
vss He:
| saland susiness Opportunities: Reli
«mei
«Definition:
iable electricity enables better productivity, business activities, and job creation
on: The time taken tO recover the initial investment from the savings generated
Factors
diesel or grid power replaced.
> Amount of
(sun hours, wind potential
> Resource availability
>> sie of the hybrid system
> Government subsidies or carbon credits.
«Typical Range: Hybrid systems generally have @ payback period of generating net
5-10 years, after which they start
ryjrid systems econaricaly viable
/
oe
] «+ KeyPoint: Athough the initial costs high the long-ter™ savings make
+, vironmental Economics
« cabon Credit Earnings: By reducng CO, emissions, users may 90 edition income through "20" trading
schemes.
{ 1+ Pollution Reduction: Lower ‘emissions improve public health, reducing healthcare costs and creating indirect economic
‘advantages.
i + Sustainability Factor: Hybrid systems encourage the use of local renewable resources, lowering the national import bil
i forfoss fuels.
4. Chalengsin Hybrid System Economics
limited lifespan and contribute significantly © recurfing expenses
sometimes oversized systems:how is it calcul for
ta simple COSt-benefit
Incentives or
>vernment i
,