INCREASE – effectIve advaNCements towaRds uptakE of PV integrAted in buildingS & infrastructurE

Energy generation in buildings and infrastructure is a key element of the decarbonization in the built environment and an enabler for (near-)zero-energy buildings. In combination with smart control systems and energy storage, it makes high degrees of self-sufficiency and the provision of flexibility possible. However, implementation is still limited due to acceptance issues, lack of standardisation and the complexity of the design, manufacturing and installation processes. Increase aims to contribute to a wider uptake of integrated photovoltaics (IPV) by delivering innovations at module and system level, as well as for the design & operation phase. New encapsulants and coatings will be developed contributing to improved aesthetics, reduced glare, lower environmental footprint, improved behavior during fire, and improved antifouling and antisoiling behavior. At system level, innovations focus on integrated facade and roof concepts, as well as noise barriers. Practical guidelines will further be delivered for bespoke infrastructure integrated projects, validated with a variety of complementary infrastructure integrated PV projects. Elaborate testing is foreseen at module and system level in line with relevant construction related and electrical standards. Optimal case-specific selection of IPV size and characteristics will be supported by a multi-objective optimisation software that takes into account the shape and use of the building or infrastructure, its surroundings, and its energy flexibility potential, and steer the asset operation as well as suggest specific user behaviour to maximise the self-consumption. To increase market acceptance, a strong layer of user feedback and co-creation underpins the overall R&D activities and contributes to delivering ten complementary building and infrastructure demonstrations in nine locations in six European countries. Cross-sector interactions, policy exchanges, investor dialogues, and country-specific business case assessments will further direct the exploitation towards large scale market uptake.

How does EnergyVille contribute to this project?

VITO leads a work package on design and building operation for optimal decarbonisation and energy integration, involving the development of power and energy forecasting models based on weather data. They are also working on optimal design and dimensioning of assets and the optimization of operational controls. KU Leuven conducts studies on the design of power conversion systems. This includes the integration of battery storage, preferably connected via direct-current converters. These converters feature proven components, but also specific novel devices where needed, including advanced features such as state-of-health monitoring and interfaces to energy management systems. The work is based on the demonstrator systems that will be built by partners, and generic archetypes of buildings for further dissemination.

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Join us at EU PVSEC 2024: Empowering PV Integration in the Built Environment

The Increase project is thrilled to invite you to our dedicated parallel event at the upcoming EU PVSEC 2024: “Empowering PV Integration in the Built Environment: Advancing R&I Actions Towards 2030.” This session will explore the critical role of PV integration in Europe’s building sector, especially in light of the EU’s 2024 rooftop mandate to maximize PV deployment across the continent.

The event will kick off with presentations on the ETIP PV SRIA Challenge 3, highlighting new applications for PV integration, alongside key technical outcomes from the first year of the Increase project. This will be followed by a high-level panel discussion, where experts will discuss how technical and social innovations can unlock the full potential of Integrated PV. The panel will feature insights from leading projects such as Seamless-PV, MC2.0, and Increase, and will also delve into the importance of standardization and co-creation in driving innovation.

• When? Tuesday, September 24th, at 13:30 CEST.
• Where? Vienna, Austria
• Want to know more? Visit the EU PVSEC website for the full parallel events programme.

Partners

This project is a collaboration between Think-E, VITO, KU Leuven and 21 European partners, funded by Horizon Europe.