Novel BIPV component integrated with emerging photovoltaic technologies

This thesis investigates the integration of semi-transparent (ST) photovoltaic (PV) technologies into innovative three-dimensional glass components for Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) applications. The research addresses the role of PV systems in the energy transition, with particular attention to the built environment, where BIPV can contribute to decentralized energy generation while preserving architectural quality. After reviewing PV policies, technologies, market trends, products, and patents, the work focuses on the feasibility, design, assembly, and characterization of 3D glass BIPV components integrating dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) and semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSC).The proposed component combines an extra-clear glass shell, a polyamide thermal belt, low-emissivity glass panes, and ST PV modules. Different configurations were analysed by varying the number of internal cavities and low-e layers. Numerical modelling was used to assess thermal and optical behaviour, while experimental characterization included spectral transmittance and reflectance, average visible transmittance, absorptance, colour rendering, outdoor I–V measurements and accelerated aging test through thermal stress cycles.DSSC-integrated prototypes achieved moderate visible transmittance, with clear differences between active strips and transparent gaps, while ST-PSC prototypes showed very low AVT after integration, indicating strong light filtering. Electrically, DSSC prototypes exhibited stable PV behaviour, with estimated PCE values between approximately 0.35% and 0.55%. Aging tests revealed good optical stability but also highlighted mechanical weaknesses at the glass-plastic bonding interface. Overall, the thesis demonstrates that 3D glass components can serve as a promising platform for multifunctional BIPV systems, combining architectural integration, solar control, and energy generation. The durability of ST-BIPV systems is key concern and the analysis of PV technologies integrated in the 3D glass can be potentially extrapolate to other systems by improving the long-term performance of emerging PV technologies.