Multifunctional Facade with PV for Solar Autonomous Cooling Applications

The objective of the Austrian research project COOLSKIN is the development, assessment and functionality approval of a façade-integrated energy system for cooling. Façade integrated photovoltaic modules directly convert the solar irradiation onto the vertical surface into electricity, which operates the compressor unit of a heat pump cycle for controlling the indoor temperature of the adjacent room. The COOLSKIN system concept addresses a) decentralization of the energy supply and b) energy autarky by the usage of solar electricity, i.e. no external energy sources are required. Methods to fulfil the project requirements are i) elaborated system simulations, ii) experimental tests with a functional model of the system and iii) field tests under real operating conditions. With this paper, the authors present the a) specification of the COOLSKIN system design and b) first results and findings of both conducted system simulation and laboratory test measurements of electric components.