Integration of PV in Buildings, Facades, Vehicles, and Infrastructure
At EnergyVille, we explore how solar energy (PV) can be integrated into a wide range of applications, including buildings, infrastructure, vehicles and agrivoltaic systems that combine agriculture and solar power.
By bringing energy generation closer to end users and embedding it into the built environment, we help accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy system.
A Multidisciplinary Approach
Integrating PV into buildings, vehicles and infrastructure requires expertise from multiple disciplines.
That is why we bring together specialists in architecture, building physics, electrical engineering and photovoltaics. Our research covers converters, electronics, materials, cell and module technologies, reliability testing and energy efficiency simulations.
Through large-scale demonstration projects, we validate new technologies and simulation models under real-life operating conditions.
Building-Integrated PV: Combining Performance and Design
For building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), aesthetics and customisation are essential.
At EnergyVille, we investigate the integration of PV into prefabricated building elements, such as façade systems. We also develop planning tools that support the design and manufacturing of these elements.
In parallel, we research reliable and visually attractive interconnection technologies that can enable large-scale deployment of BIPV solutions.
Digital Design and Smart Manufacturing
We are developing a module assembly tool that automatically creates customised PV modules based on input from architectural design software.
Our multi-wire cell interconnection technology can be adapted to different module dimensions, providing greater design flexibility. It also supports the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles in PV manufacturing.
PV Modules for Diverse Operating Conditions
Light conditions on buildings and vehicles are often non-uniform and can change continuously throughout the day.
To maintain high energy yields under these conditions, new module technologies are required. In our laboratories, we investigate different module shapes and dimensions for both building and vehicle integration.
By combining reconfigurable module topologies with advanced interconnection technologies, we aim to support the transition towards the next generation of PV modules.
