PowerShade - Development of electricity-generating shading solutions for energy-flexible buildings in urban space
Short Description
Due to the increasing urbanization in Austria, there are challenges for the ambitious climate and energy goals of the country, especially the target of achieving 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030. Conventional rooftop photovoltaic installations alone often aren't sufficient to meet the rising electricity demand in urban areas. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed. The Urban Heat Island effect exacerbates the impacts of climate change, particularly heatwaves, in urban areas. This leads to increased energy demand for cooling buildings. Sunshade modules are becoming increasingly important as they not only generate electricity but can also reduce cooling needs through shading. A promising solution lies in the combination of intelligently controlled shading systems and flexible photovoltaic technology.
Through intelligent control techniques and the use of artificial intelligence, these systems can enhance the energy flexibility of buildings in urban areas and efficiently utilize the generated electricity. Adjustable blinds, in combination with thin-film modules, provide a foundation for the integration of these technologies. Intelligently controlled shading systems play a central role in avoiding overheating, utilizing solar gains, and providing a comfortable environment for users.
Through the correct design and selection of different photovoltaic systems, it is possible to integrate photovoltaics cost-effectively into standard sun protection systems. Intelligent control techniques and modeling allow for the optimization of such PV shading systems for energy-flexible buildings in urban environments, thereby meeting the demand for electricity, combating climate change, and creating a sustainable future. This optimization can be carried out through the integration of artificial intelligence to adapt flexibly to required scenarios such as reducing cooling needs, increasing daylight, or improving PV efficiency.
In the PowerShade project, the possibilities and limitations of implementation were determined, and the use of AI-controlled shading solutions with integrated photovoltaics was identified. Measurements were conducted on a laboratory scale to select a suitable module, and the modules were evaluated for their efficiency behavior with respect to temperature and angle dependency. Through simulation and validation, an artificial neural network was developed that determined the optimal shading angle based on the cooling demand and PV production. The implementation of the control system resulted in a 0.9% increase in PV efficiency compared to the cut-off control, as well as a nearly 40% reduction in cooling demand. To assess the impact of implementation for users, a recording of measurement data was conducted in which the control system applied both control methods and users documented any anomalies. It was thus determined that the integration of artificial intelligence increased user comfort during the testing phase.
The implementation of photovoltaics on the sunshade slats, along with control through artificial intelligence, demonstrated an increase in efficiency and an improvement in room comfort. By incorporating additional parameters into the control system, such as glare or daylight entry, the control could be expanded and the system optimized through artificial intelligence.
Project Partners
Project management
University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien, Competence Area Renewable Energy Systems
Project or cooperation partners
- HELLA Sonnen- und Wetterschutztechnik GmbH
- Institute of Computer Technology at TU Wien
Contact Address
University of Applied Sciences Technikum Wien
Competence Area Renewable Energy Systems
Kurt Leonhartsberger, MSc.
Standort ENERGYbase
Giefinggasse 6
A-1200 Vienna
Tel.: +43 (664) 619 25 86
E-mail: kurt.leonhartsberger@technikum-wien.at
Web: www.technikum-wien.at