Bs report final

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE. BUILDING.
DESIGN
Bachelor of Quantity Surveying
BUILDING SERVICES 1 [BLD 60403]
Name : TAN JIA SAN 0322406
GILLIAN CHONG 0323941
ELISSA CHANG 0326909
CHIN KE NI 0324021
LETTITIA LOIS HIEW 0323908
LECTURER: LIM TZE SHAWN
SUBMISSION DATE : 23rd
November 2016

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CONTENT
No. Title Pages
1. INTRODUCTION 3-4
2. HISTORY OF SOLAR ENERGY 5-7
3. INSTALLATION PROCESS 8-14
4. MAINTENANCE SYSTEM 15-19
5. THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES 20-21
6. CASE STUDY: MONT CENIS ACADEMY 22-26
7. POSSIBLE PROBLEMS TO THE SYSTEM 27
8. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE
IMPROVEMENT
28-29
9. REFLECTION 30-31
10. REFERENCES 32-33
11. BIBLIOGRAPHY 34

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1.Introduction of Buidling integration of Solar Energy
Solar energy is defined as the radiant energy emitted by the Sun. It is the
energy the Earth receives from the sun, primarily as visile light and other forms of
electromagnetic radiation.In view of reports on the ecological risk of using fossil fuels,
which causes global warming through the increased green house effect, steps need
to be taken to reduce our dependence upon those energy sources( GEO, 2002).
Therefore, renewable energy sources and energy conservation allow continued
economic growth without further denaturing the planet Earth is of importance. Solar
energy technologies can be regarded as representatives of both strategies of
renewables and energy conservation (Energiboken, 1995)
Solar energy system in building is one of the most promising renewable energy
technologies. Nowadays, the most common solar energy system is Building
Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV).Building Integrated Photovoltaics(BIPV) is the
integration of photovoltaic(PV) into the building envelope.Solar energy is a truly
elegant means of producing electricity on site, directly from the sun, without concern
for energy supply or environmental harm. Solar energy system is usually run by using
panels installed on the roof of the building. These solid-state devices simply make
electricity out of sunlight, silently with no maintenance, no pollution, and no depletion
of materials. Interest in the building integration of photovoltaics, where the PV
elements actually become an integral part of the building, often serving as the
exterior weather skin, is growing worldwide. BIPV brings a lot of advantages as it can
provide savings in materials and electricity cost, most important it reduce the rate of
pollution because it is a renewable energy.
The application for Building-Integrated Photovoltaics can be varies. First,
there is façade where the PV can be integrated into the sides of building , replacing
traditional glass windows with semi-transparent thin-film or crystalline solar panels.
These surfaces have less access to direct sunlight than rooftop systems, but typically
offer a larger available area. In retrofit applications, PV panels can also be used to
camouflage unattractive or degraded building exteriors. Next, there is rooftops
application. In this application, PV material replaces roofing material or , in some
cases, the roof itself. There are two types of roofs which are flat roofs and pitched
roofs.For flat roofs, the most widely installed to date is an amorphous thin film solar
cell integrated to a flexible polymer module which has been attached to the roofing
membrane using an adhesive sheet between the solar module backsheet and the
roofing membrane.Lastly, there is glazing. Glazing creates semi-transparent surfaces

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using ultra-thin solar cells. This semi transparent design allows daylight to penetrate
while simultaneously generating electricity.
The architectural revolution of glazed window openings allowed trapping the
energy yield from the sun within the building, beside its most important feature: to
allow daylight to enter and to obtain communication betwen inside and outside,
without letting wind and rain enter. With the introduction of solar thermal collectors
and photovoltaic(PV) panels, architecture has again obtained a new vital element
which permits buildings to be redefined; at best , as actual energy produces instead
of strict energy users.
There are three main types of BIPV products which is Crystalline silicon solar
panels for ground-based and rooftop power plant, Amorphous crystalline silicon thin
film solar pv modules which could be hollow , light , red, blue , yellow as glass curtain
wall and transparent skylight and lastly the double glasses solar panels with square
cells inside.
In consideration of the design,BIPV systems should be approached to where
energy conscious design techniques have been employed, and equipment and
systems have been carefully selected and specified.

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2.History of Solar Energy
The use of solar energy goes back a long way. According to VA SUN
Communications Fellow Garance Perret, before we discovered that the sun’s light
could be collected to produced electricity, people took advantage of it in other ways. In
this generation, we use passive design to take advantage of the climate to maintain a
comfortable temperature in the building. While Ancient Greeks and Eqyptians,as well
as Native Americans, built homes and cities to have the most energy efficient sun
exposure. They thought of a good way that was facing their buidlings south,just like
we do with our solar panels.
Photovoltaics are devices that use what is known as the photovoltaic effect to
generate electricity form the sunlight.
History timeline:
214-212 B.C. – Archimedes’ Heat Ray
Historians claim the Greek inventor, Archimedes had already used solar energy in the
3rd
Century B.C. He destroyed enemy’s ships with fire during the Siege of Syracuse

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with a “heat ray” which was a collection of mirrors that reflected sunlight towards the
ships to set the ships on fire. Several experiments have been carried out to verify the
story, most of wich concluded the phenomena being possible , but highly unlikely.
Meanwhile in the 19th
Century:
1767- The first Solar Oven
In 1767, the Swiss inventor, Horace de Soussare made the first solar collector. It is an
insulated box covered with three layers of glass for the purpose of absorbing heat
energy. Soussare’s box became widely known as the first solar oven, reahing
temperatures well over a 100 degrees Celsius.
1839- The Discovery of the Photovoltaic Effect
1839 marks a big year in the history because a French scientis, Edmond Becquerel,
who was only 19years old in 1839 discovered that there is a creation of voltage when
a material is exposed to light.
1873- Photoconductivity in Selenium

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In this year , Willoughby Smith dicovered photoconductivity of a material known as
selenium. After that , the discovery was to be furthered extended in 1876, when
Willoughby Smith discovered that the selenium produces solar energy . The discovery
laid a strong base for future developments in the history of solar power.
1876- Electricity from Light
Professor William Grylls, accompanied by his student, Richard Evans Day,were the
first to discover an electric current when a material was exposed to light
1883-1891- Light Discoveries and Solar Cells
An American inventor, Charles Fritts, was the first that came up with plans for how to
make solar cells. The firs solar cell was introduced in 1883. The cell was to be wrapped
with selenium wafers. Later, in 1891, the first solar heater was created.
1905-Photoelectric Effect
Albert Einstein published a report on phtoelectric effect in this year but there was no
experimental evidence about it so most people are not aware of his paper on
photoelectric effect.
1916- Photoelecric Effect
11 years later, Robert Milikan evidenced the photoelectric effect experimentally. In
1921,16 years after Albert Einstein had submitted the paper, he was awarded the
Nobel Prize for the scientific breakthroughs he had discovered.
1947- Solar Popularity in the US
Following the Second World War, solar energy has became popular among people in
the USA. The demands of solar energy had increased in a short duration.
1958- Solar Energy In space

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In this year, the Vanguard I space satellite used a smalle array to power its radios.
Solar power was used to generate space exploration equipment such as satellite and
space stations. This was the first commercial use of solar energy.
1959-1970 – Efficiency of Solar Cells and Cost
During 1959 to 1970, Solar Cells have been a major topic discussion in the world.
It was said that the effiiency of the solar cell was not comparable to the high cost of
producing. Howeve, in 1970, Exxon Cooperation designed an efficient solar panel
which was less costly to manufacture.
1981- Solar Powered Aircraft
Paul Macready produced the first solar powered aircraft. It was said that more than
1600 cells were used and placed on the wings of aircraft. The airfcraft successfully
flew from France to England.
1982- Solar Powered Cars
One year later , the first solar powered cars were developed in Australia.
1986-1999 Solar Power plant
The largest plant producing more than 20 kilowatts was developed in the year 1999.

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3.Installation Process
CONSIDERATION BEFORE INSTALLATION
There are several advantages to installing solar panels at your home, everything
from lowering your energy bills to reducing your carbon footprint. There are vaerity of
considerations to be made before installing solar panels.
NUMBER OF SOLAR PANELS
When installing a solar panel, you have got to work out how many panels is
required to be ready to meet your electricity desires. Your unit consumption of
electricity and how much you would like to supplement from solar energy can verify
the amount of solar panels you need. The systems are standard and you’ll be able to
add additional panels in the future.
TYPE OF SOLAR PANELS
A solar system can save cost as for the technology has become reasonable and
affordable. It’s necessary to know that which solar technology to use, as different
types are suitable for various conditions. Thin-film panels have better quality for
shaded sites and it is little cheaper compare to the others, however they also require
extra space. Poly-crystalline and mono-crystalline panels are more economical and
do not need too much of space but it is not very suitable for sites with shade. This will
take some time to compare the different types of solar panels and brands to
determine the perfect fit for your house.
ROOF SPACE
Before you install solar panel on your roof, you have to think of how much of the
electricity you would like to generate using a home solar system will greatly

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determine how much space you will require. You may need a lot of energy, if you
have a larger house, and you will even need to have an adequately-sized roof. Solar
panels may be on a solar pole mount any places on your property, if your roof
doesn’t provide enough square footage.
ROOF CONDITIONS
While installing a solar panel on a brand new roof is the most suitable choice of
fulfillment, you'll be able to conjointly install solar panels on your existing roof as
long as it meets some basic qualifications. If your roof does not pass muster, you
will need to repair it or install a brand new roof. If you own an older property, you will
need roof repairs or maybe a whole set of complete roof replacement before solar
panels will be installed safely on the roofs. Installing solar panels might cause a risk,
if the property has any construction flaws or other structural problems. The expected
period of time of your current roofing system also must be determined. It usually
takes about 20 years for people to visualize a return on investment for his or hers
solar panel systems.
TYPE OF SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION
Solar panel installation may be classified into 2 main varieties, that are flat roof
mount and pitched roof mount. Pitched roof mounts include flush mount, angle mount
and fin mount. While flat roof mount include attached mount, ballasted mount and
hybrid mount. Which kinds of installation are fitted to your house will depends on the
dimensions, affordability, utility, and convenience.
FLAT ROOF MOUNT
A flat roof installation is the easiest method to go solar on your building. It offers
flexibility for orienting and tilting the solar panels for ideal solar collection. This sort of
installation is more common on industrial installations and maybe this is one of the
least complicated. These are the 3 most common mounting choices in flat roof
installations:
BALLASTED MOUNT

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Because of the overwhelming desire to keep water out of buildings, many people,
both PV pros and building owners, like to use ballasted mount system on flat roofs
instead of penetrating the roofs and attaching tilt-up racking system. Ballast mount
use the weight of the array and additional weight (generally concrete blocks) to keep
the array in place, otherwise, they’re built just like tilt-up racking.
HYBRID MOUNT
The hybrid mount uses some structural attachments combined with typical ballasted
design. This results in minimal roofing penetrations but a little more security where
needed.

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ATTACHED MOUNT
Traditional rooftop systems are mounted to the posts secured in the roof beams.
Special roof leak protection is added to each penetration to stop leaks. These
attached systems work for any size, and hold tight even in windy areas.
PITCHED ROOF MOUNT
Pitched roof mounting means installing solar panels on non-flat or angled roofs. This
can be the most common form of solar array installation seen in residential roofs.
This kind of roof installation is harder to install and maintain, because of the roof
orientation and the angle don’t seem to be compatible with the optimum solar array
tilt angle.
FLUSH MOUNT
For residential PV installations, the most popular method of attaching modules to a
roof is a flush racking system. As the implies, this racking system places the modules
parallel and very close to the roof’s surface. This racking system results in an array
that’s aesthetically pleasing and minimizes the effects of wind loading, the uplift
effects of wind on the back of array and building. Flush mount is not popular for

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commercial applications because it is not well suited for the flat roofs that are
commonly used on commercial buildings.
FIN MOUNT
Fin mount is meant for houses with shallow roof pitches where the roof slope
directions are facing to the east and west. It is the foremost obtrusive of the mounting
designs, however this is the only choice obtainable. These systems are going to be
fairly economical, but it will need additional roof space that the others.

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ANGLE MOUNT
Angle mount is regularly done on a rooftop with a lower which the panels have to
stick upwards and away from the roof. This kind of establishment additionally has
higher effectiveness for the PV system.

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INSTALLATION PROCESS OF SOLAR PANELS
The typical time scale of installing solar panel is 2
days.
1) After careful measure out and marking, tiles are
removed and mounting brackets are connected to
the rafters. The titles are then replace once
grinding of the undersides to alter a flush work.
Any titles that broken have to replace with a new
one.
2) Rails will be lock to the brackets to support the panels.
These should be extend slightly on the other side of the
panels to allow for contraction.
3) Panels are hooked up to the rails using a special designed
clips that bolt onto the sides. These allow the panels to be
removed quickly and easily for roof maintenance when
necessary. Electrical cables that behind every panel are connected to the
adjacent panel to create a “string”.

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4) The cable is fed underneath a tile and into the roof
void where it is connected to the electrical converter.
5) Roof installation is complete. Notice that there should be a margin (minimum
200mm) between the sting of the panels and also the fringe of the roof.

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6) The cables from the 2 strings are then connected to
2 DC isolators that are then connected to
the electrical converter. The AC output from
the electrical converter is then fed into an AC isolator
(the red switch) from where it's taken all the way
down to the consumer unit and generation
meter. it's not necessary to access the electrical
converter once installation except for maintenance
and information from the electrical converter may
be transmitted to a pc or a dedicated display device.

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4.Maintenance System
is consisted with a number of components to properly conduct, control, convert,
distribute, and store the energy produced.
Most PV systems require relatively little maintenance, especially when designed
and installed appropriately with quality components. However a periodic inspections
equipment replacement, it is advisable to contact a qualified installer or a service
technician as they are more experienced and familiar with PV systems, components,
and proper safety procedures. Simple and nonhazardous maintenance can be
performed by the system owner.
Photovoltaic (PV) system are
similar to other electrical power
generating systems, the only
difference is just that the equipment
used is different. Although a PV
system produces power when
exposed to sunlight, it
and maintenance ensures the safety
and performance of the system.
Routine maintenance also helps
identify the problems that requires
corrective service.
For advanced maintenance
which includes troubleshooting and

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MAINTENANCE
1. Solar Array/Panel
Most essential component of the Photovoltaic (PV) system as it absorbs solar energy
from the sunlight and converts it into direct-current. Therefore, the solar array requires
extra maintenance to ensure the ongoing of its service. Simple maintenance which
system owners can perform is maintaining the PV cleanliness.
The amount of power an array can produce is dependent on the intensity of the
sunlight striking the array, so if the array is dirty, the irradiance will be reduced. Some
system owners let the rain clean the array and hardly notice any reduction in energy
output; but other owners may need to wash the array multiple times a year.
owners have to clean the array first thing in the morning before the PV system has a
chance to heat up to prevent the risk of cracking the glass with a sudden blast of cold
water.
A solar array consists a
number of solar panels
made out of a number solar
modules.
The solar panel is the
Cleaning he array does not really take
a lot of effort but it is advisable to keep an
eye on the array output and its power
output level and clean it whenever the
power output level seems low. System

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Use a garden hose to spray the modules or a soft rag to clean off anything that is
stuck to the glass, such as bird droppings. Ensure that there are no soiling formed at
the edges of each panel as extensive soiling can reduce array output by 10% or more,
and it would affect the PV system. Most importantly, never use an abrasive cleaner
because the glass shouldn’t be scratched.
A visual inspection of the solar array is required annually to ensure there is no
physical damage on the panels, including bent frames or broken glass. Fractured or
2. Battery
depending on the battery design and
and application. Open-vent batteries are the most maintenance-intensive type of
batteries because they need periodic water additions and cleaning. Sealed batteries
require much less maintenance.
damaged modules should be replaced,
even if they are still functioning electrically.
If a damaged module is left in service,
moisture may enter the module causing
dangerous shorts or ground faults.
Battery are usually the most
maintenance-intensive components in
a PV system. Regular maintenance is
important in maximizing battery life and
minimizing hazardous conditions,
though requirements vary significantly

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Safety is very important when performing battery maintenance. Individual battery
cases should be inspected for any cracks or distortion, as well as the cleanliness of
the top surface near the terminals and vents. If battery racks, trays, or cases need
cleaning, a mild soap and water solution may be used with a soft brush or rag.
Battery maintenance tasks include cleaning,
tightening terminals, watering, and checking
battery health and performance. Performance
checks include specific gravity measurements,
load tests, and capacity tests.

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3. Mechanical equipment maintenance
The systems usedto mount the PV array should be maintained on an annual basis;
it is advisable to check the module-to-rail connections and rail-to-footing connections
using torque wrenches and nut drivers. When installed correctly, the racking system
should be able to hold the array in place for many years. Some mounting connections
requires retightening.
4. Electrical equipment maintenance
When performing maintenance on the electrical components of a PV system,there
is no need to spend a lot of time crawling along the roof and opening disconnects and
inverters to check the wiring. Some visual checks and a few checks at terminals are
enough to make sure all the electrical components are functioning properly. Routine
maintenance should include visual inspections of inverters, chargers, charge
controllers, transformers, and any other electrical equipment in the PV system.
Wiring connections
Of all the electrical components that
may need attention, the connections made
inside the junction box or combiner should
be tackled first. The box is often located
right at the array location and exposed to
extreme changes in ambient temperature
which can cause the terminals holding the
wires in place to loosen slightly over time.

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Use a torque wrench to make sure the terminals are tightened to the correct
value which is dictated by the manufactures and ensure that the connections are
not creating a high-resistance connection. A high-resistance connection
occurs when the terminal holding the conductor is loose, it can be corrected
by tightening the terminal to the specified value with a torque wrench.

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Module wiring
racking system or the rood itself, creating weak points and possible safety hazards
such as shock and fire hazards. By visually inspecting the module wiring annually, it
is possible to detect any potential problems early and provide corrective measures
such as verifying that the conductors are held secure it to the modules and rail.
The conductors used to connect the
modules in series are extremely prone to
damage and also deserve to be checked
each year.
As the array spends years in the sun,
these wires can begin to rub against the

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5. The advantages and disadvantages
Solar Energy Systems are getting more and more popular as we move into
sustainable energy for our future. However, these systems come with their own
advantages and disadvantages which affects their feasibility to be implemented. For
their advantages, these systems rely and generate their power from Renewable
Energy. Solar Energy is one of the handfuls of Renewable Energy that is currently
available. This allows us to constantly harvest this energy without it ever being
depleted. Current Trends suggest that fossil fuels dependency is at a world average
of 92% of which these fuels can be completed depleted around the year 2050. By
using Solar Energy, the consumption and dependency on fossil fuels will be
significantly reduced. Next, Solar Energy Systems generate clean energy. Solar
Energy provide not only an abundant source of energy, however it does so
environmentally friendly and clean. The carbon dioxide emissions from greenhouse
gases are reduced by a landslide compared to the use of fossil fuels. Clean and
Green Energy harvested from Solar Energy can sustain not only the power and
heating requirements, however it can also sustain the global environmental cycle.
Furthermore, these systems bring the ease of maintenance for their consumers.
Solar Energy Systems are so advanced today that they are self-monitoring. This
means that if the system detects any sort of faults or errors in the system, it then
alerts the user to not fix the part, but replace it. The policy of replacing a broken or
faulty component is part of the lower maintenance cost of using the system where
users can rectify problems completely on their own without calling a technician. Not
to mention, the chances for these systems to fail is almost impossible as they have a

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guaranteed life of 25 years. Moving on, Solar Energy are economically friendly. By
taking advantage of Solar Energy, a huge amount of savings can be obtained.
Primarily, electrical power harvested from Solar Energy doesn’t cost a dime and it
requires no operational costs to continuously operate it. This allows for a lower
dependency on the power grid and thus will lead to a much lower electricity bill. Heat
obtained from the Solar Energy are also used to heat up water heaters where
previously they consume high amounts of electricity. A this leads to an economically
friendly system that helps the user save financially. On the other hand, Solar Energy
Systems also comes with disadvantages including limited harvesting. Solar Energy
depends solely on the availability of the sun. Thus, it can only harvest energy from
the sun in daylight hours only. This limits the widespread use of Solar Energy
worldwide. Although the power harvested can be stored in batteries, this con just
outweighs more than the pros economically and feasibly. Subsequently, Solar
Energy Systems depend on conditions to work efficiently. The conditions of the area
of the solar plant is another variable to look into. Weather conditions despite it being
in the day can vastly affect the amount of energy that can be harvested. High cloud
build up areas, and areas prone to unpleasant weather are unsuitable for this system
to be implemented as the return of investment will be very low and long. Next, the
implementation costs of these systems are high. The cost of implementing Solar
Energy Systems are for the time being, relatively high and are considered a form of
luxury in some parts of the world. Since the technology is relatively new in the
market, the price of these systems are yet to be lowered due to the expensive
research and development that has gone into the project. As such, implementation
costs may significantly cause it to be disregarded. Lastly, these systems have
inefficient technology. Considering that the technology is new and still in Research
and Development, Solar Energy Systems are currently inefficient. Data have shown
that only 22% of the energy can be useably harvested and converted. This
inefficiency has caused some building projects to deem them unreliable and not
worth their money to install these systems.

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6.CASE STUDY : MONT-CENIS ACADEMY
Continuing Training Academy to Herne. It took 10 years to complete this exciting
architectural concept that included a 1 MW building-integrated PV system for the
ecological and economic renewal of the region. The project began with a two-
stagecompetition in 1991 for the Internationale Bauausstellung Emscher Park (IBA),
won by French architects Jourda & Perraudin. In the second stage of this competition,
the German architects Hegger, Hegger Schleif joined the design team and a fruitful
German/French collaboration began.
BIODATA
PROJECT: Mont-Cenis Academy
LOCATION: Herne-Sodingen
COUNTRY: Germany
COMPLETION YEAR: 1999
ARCHITECT: Jourda & Perraudin,
Hegger Schleiff
NEW/RETROFIT: New
PV INSTALLER: Flabeg Solar International
BUILDING TYPE: Government training academy; multipurpose building
TYPE OF PV BUILDING: Semi-transparent PV overhead glazing and PV glass facade
GENERAL BACKGROUND
At the end of the 1980s, the
Minister of the Interior of the state
of North Rhine Westphalia, made
the decision to move the
SITE PLAN

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ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT
The project uses a series of devices to preserve and improve the environment :
I. Decontamination of the existing polluted soil
II. Collection of rainwater and re-use of groundwater
III. Collection of gas escaping from former mine shafts used for urban heating
IV. Generation of active solar energy for heating water and the production of PV
electricity
V. The utilization of easily recyclable ecological building materials and construction
techniques
DAYLIGHTING CONCEPT
Different daylighting
technologies have been employed
within the building. In addition to the
special design of the PV roof, light
shelves were incorporated into
certain facades of the building
inside the glass envelope to reflect
daylight deeper into their rooms.
The Mont-Cenis Academy is
situated slightly higher than the
surrounding area. The building
consists of a huge micro-climate
glass envelope that forms a
shelter for several interior
buildings. It is 176m in length,
72m wide, and 15m high.

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Hologram films integrated into the roof micro-climateenvelope redirect the sunlight
down into the library and the entrance hall. In the library, the hologram films act as a
heliostat, which intensifies the light level. In the entrance hall, they break up the light
spectrum and create a rainbow effect.

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PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN & FEATURES
The glass envelope of the Mont-Cenis Academy creates a climatic shift in the
summer and winter. It keeps out wind and rain and creates a garden-like interior.
Effective solar managementis the key in this project as a considerable time and money
was spent on engineering to ensure that the building would manage and utilize the
passive solar features of the design.
greenhouse during the day so that the
stored could be released into the space at night to partially compensate for the thermal
loss at night. While different from the classical Arcology Energy Apron designs usually
put forward by Soleri, the project represents a similarstrategy to encapsulate a building
complex with a overarching glass/transparent shell. The idea behind this is that the
shell allows better conditions for heat storage than would be possible in an open air
structure.
RAINWATER SYSTEM
In this case, the fact that this project
was built in the center of a mine
shaft actually enabled a large
amount of gravel to be deposited
around the foundation area. This
acts as a Thermal Mass the to
absorb the excess hear of energy
The rainwater falling on the large
roof is collected by a special rainwater
system,which minimizes pipe diameters.
It is collected in an underground storage
tank, filtered and reused for cleaning
purposes, and for the watering and
maintenance of plants within the micro-
climate glass envelope.

32. BiPV DESIGN PROCESS
Planning process, alternative designs
this elegant manner was attractive to the client, particularly because there were no budgetary
constraints on the additional costs of the PV system.The client’s only requirement was to build
the world’s largest 1-megawatt building-integrated PV system.
Design process
A total of 20,640 square metres of glass were used for the micro-climate glass envelope,
10,533 square meters of which were fitted with PV cells. The roof itself provides spacefor only
9,744 square meters of PV modules. The rest was integrated in the west facade. The PV
modules serve as truly multifunctional building elements. They provide shading, daylighting
and electricity production at the same time.
The original competition brief in 1991 did not
call for the use of PV. Intake of solar light and heat
was controlled only by sun screens and natural
planting inside and outside the micro-climatic
envelope. But in a later planning phase, when
different shading systems were under discussion
and the architects showed the clients how much
energy the roof deck could produce, the installation
of PV became a priority for the client. The idea of
controlling incoming light and shade in

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The solution of the cells in the solar panel looks like a cloud-patterned sky. The cells are
concentrated over the internal buildings and left clear glass between the
The variation of the cell layout along with the passage of daylight creates exciting ever-
changing patterns of light and shade inside the building. An automatic cleaning system
employing recycled rainwater for the PV overhead glazing was envisaged, bu not realized.
INSTALATION DESIGN
Integration design and mounting strategy
aluminium profiles. All aluminium profiles are mounted on the load-bearing wooden
substructure and we were designed specially for this project by Wicona Bausysteme
GmbH,Ulm.
buildings and over the central
thoroughfare. 6 different types of PV
modules with different densities of
solar cells and glass of various
degrees of transparentcy were used.
PV modules and glass panes of the
overhead glazing rests on aluminium
profiles and are held in place with
aluminium pressure plates. The vertical
PV-and-glass facade is carried out as a
structural glazing facede.The glass
panes and PV modules are glued onto

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The interconnecting plugs and the required cabling are integrated in the aluminium
profiles that hold the PV modules and glass panels into place. They are invisible and protected
against weather conditions and ultraviolet light. This new mounting detail was not possible
due to the specially developed PV plug. The plug is not thicker than the 4mm glass pane of
the PV modules and therefore fits well in the rebate. The plug helps to cut down the installation
time and costs.
7.PossibleProblemsin the System
There are a few possible problems in Solar Energy System as with anything there
are always Pros’ and Cons’. First of all, these systems can degrade over time. Solar Energy
Systems rely on battery cells to store the harvested energy. These cells degrade over
continuous usage and the efficiency of these systems degrade as time goes on. Next, when
using these systems to supplement conventional electricity, intricate circuits have to be
designed and then installed. Continuing on, installing these systems requires additional
structural support in the building. Failing to keep this in mind will result in the collapse of
rooftops and structures. Subsequently, by using this system an electrical hazard is present
and its risk are higher. Solar Energy Systems when coupled to the main electrical supply can
cause short circuits and electrical surges. Furthermore, these systems are subjected to
weather conditions which can cause unintended consequences. For instances, solar panels
can cause rooftops to be highly stressed during high winds. Solar Energy Systems are also
not futureproof as no modifications can be done to existing systems. This will cause a
massive waste of solar panels when newer and more efficient panels are developed and
sold in the market. Moving on, solar energy systems are slow to generate electricity. It is a
fact that these systems require long periods of time to generate adequate amounts of
electricity available for use. Solar Energy System also require batteries cells to store the
harvested energy. These cells are expensive and any failures requires a new one to be
bought which although simply to maintain, it is expensive to do so. Solar Energy Systems

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also creates fire risks. Due to the battery cells involved, these systems are quite unstable
due to the unpredictability of the high capacity batteries and thus it poses a potential fire
risks. Last but not least, Solar Energy Systems are life items. This means that these systems
are required to be uninstalled when their life term is reached regardless of the operational
ability of the system. Although Solar Energy Systems have their flaws, new research and
development are improving their technology every day. We should continue our support for
Solar Energy Systems as they can dramatically improve our future on this earth.
8.Recommendations forfuture improvement
To make the solar energy even more better over the next few decades, we should
make some improvements for the solar energy system and also to build the foundation for
the future solar generation.
Firstly, we should have new and more advance technology for the future solar energy
system. Boosting the efficiency of solar cells is the fundamental step to increase the sun’s
role in the global energy supply. We need to discover more efficient semiconductors so that
we can increase the efficiency of energy conversion. For an example, high efficiency
semiconductors materials such as perovskite and gallium-arsenide, and also cells which is
made with tiny but powerful solar-absorbing “quantum dots”. Besides that, low toxicity
chemicals and materials can be used in manufacturing solar panels to increase the safety
level. Photovoltaic (PV) facilities is widely used around the world account for most solar
electric generation which is used in about 90% of installed PV capacity and it is wafer-based

36. 36
crystalline silicon. This technology is strong and competitive plus it is supported by a fast-
growing global industry with capability and incentive to seek for further improvements
especially in cost and performance. “The photovoltaic system most likely could become the
world’s single biggest source of electricity by this mid-century”, according to the International
Energy Agency (IEA). The other major solar generation technology is the concentrated solar
power (CSP) or also called as solar thermal generation. Loan guarantees for commercial-
scale concentrated solar power projects have been an important federal support for this
technology, even though it is less competitive than photovoltaic. Because of the fact that
there are high risks involved in commercial-scale projects, this approach does not
encourage to undergo experiment with other materials and designs.
Next, manufacturers and retailers should reduce the cost of solar panels so that it’s
more affordable and more people are able to enjoy the services. If the costs are lower than
before, the home owners will be wondering why they are paying so much for the current
electricity bills when they could get it from the sun for a fraction of the current cost and start
installing solar panels in their house. We can also use other materials and production
techniques which offer better terms and cheaper in cost such as the Perovskite solar cell,
which offer lower price than those traditional silicon cells with at least 20 percent higher
efficiency levels compare to those of commercially used silicon cells. Perovskite is a class of
minerals with a salt-like crystalline structure that are easy to produce and made from
cheaper ingredients such as lead and ammonia. Perovskite cells can be produce at nearly
room temperature by combining different chemical solutions to produce a very thin layer
called “film” which is the part of solar cell that converts sunlight into electricity using methods
that are easier which production cost is much lower compare to those high quality silicon
crystals that must be made at high temperatures using very precise processes. However,
there are some challenges to produce large amount of high quality and competitive
efficiency levels of Perovskite solar cells. The low-temperature process which is used in
Perovskite solar cells produce only small quantities of high-quality films. When researchers
try to produce larger amount of cells, the film often come out with defects or holes which
cannot be used. This is the problem that we need to solve it to have better solar system in
the future.
Next, by shading a facade system panel provide a passive way to limit excessive
solar gains. Plus, solar innovation is being neglected by most of the undeveloped or
developing countries to do research and development compare to those developed
countries, according to research. The International Energy Agency reports that on average,
governments in developed countries spend at least 6 times more on defence research than
on energy research.

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In conclusion, with the recommendations such as improved systems and
technologies for solar system will help to make the solar energy more competitive and
naturally benefit the environment.

38. 38
9.Reflection
(TAN JIA SAN 0322406)
Throughout this assignment, I have gained a lot of knowledge about solar energy
and also building integrated of solar energy. Other than that , I have learned the history of
the Solar energy. I found out that Solar energy is really a good and environmental friendly to
the Earth. It brings a lot of advantages even though there are disadvantages too. To
complete this task, teamwork is the key. Fortunately, we formed teamwork and managed to
work together very well. Group members are very productive and cooperative. Furthermore,
I have improved my time management as I managed to complete the task by due date.
Lastly , I have also improved my communication skills and leadership skills. I communicated
well with my group members and we respect to each other’s opinion to complete this task.
(GILLIAN CHONG YEONG LIN 0323941)
Through this assignment, I was able to improve myself to carry out research
effectively. This assignment has taught me more about the lasting benefits of Solar Energy
and how we can use them to combat humanity’s downfall of fully depending on fossil fuels. I
was also able to have group discussions with my teammates which were very productive.
Moreover, I learnt how to manage my time well so that we could not only complete the
assignment on time, but also hand in a quality and fruitful assignment. Since the scope of
the assignment was quite wide, we as a team had to delegate our tasks accordingly and we
all had to do our best in looking for facts to add in to the report
(ELISSA CHANG 0326909)
After doing this assignment, I’ve learned a lot about solar energy system since our
group assignment topic is building integration of solar energy. I’ve found out a lot more about
solar system than what I know previously. During my research, although not all the
information are relevant to the sub-parts that I’m doing, however I did studied a bit and
gained more knowledge about solar system. The part that I’ve found a bit hard for me is the
recommendations for future improvement for solar system. This is because some of the
contents are involved with some special scientific name which is a bit hard for me to
understand very well. Therefore, I’ve watched some videos about it in YouTube so I can
understand and able to do my assignment well. I also enjoyed being involved in an
assignment with my friends which can improve our friendships.

39. 39
(CHIN KE NI 0320421)
Throughout this assignment, I had managed to learn more about this particular topic which is
Building Integrated of Solar Energy. In this report, the part that I do research on is the
installation process of solar energy. Based on my research, I learnt the consideration before
installing a solar panel, the types of solar panel installation and the installation process.
Moreover, I am able to define the variety of solar panels installation. This report helps me to
gained more knowledge on the topics.
(LETTITIA LOIS HIEW 0323908)
Based on the topic we chose, I have learned and gained various information and
knowledge about Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BiPV). At first I was oblivious and did not
know anything about our topic regardless of having somebasic knowledge about solar panels.
But after an amount of constant research from the internet and the library, I came to
understand and know the benefits of Photovoltaics (PV) system. Besides that, I have also
learned about the advantages and disadvantages, installation process, maintenance, and the
components of a PV system. Even though constructing a BiPV would cost a fortune, it is also
considered as an investment for the future as PV system functions by using solar power and
we could spare ourselves from the expensive electricity bills.

40. 40
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