Innovative Cable Net Curved-Glass Photovoltaic Façade

Building Integrated PhotoVoltaic (BIPV) facades have been present for decades in various forms and building application types. However, they have not yet reached their potential due to the strict technical PhotoVoltaic (PV) requirements, the design and simulation complexity, as well as their limited aesthetics, demonstrated by a lack of visual innovation and customization in comparison with other building elements. The main objective of this paper is to improve both overall visual effect and building performance through an integrated solar design approach. In order to address these requirements, this paper presents an innovative performance-based design methodology for a BIPV façade. The approach uses parametric design framework to define a typological set of BIPV modules, each with its particular performances, allowing module and performance variation across a façade surface. Therefore, each module can take a specific position in respect to the urban settings and indoor requirements, in order to optimize and improve the overall performance. Moreover, design criteria are not compromised, as this innovative methodology takes into account variable requirements with unique design system that lead to the consistent appearance, and embrace a paneling customization with just a small set of BIPV modules. This design concept has been demonstrated on a curved-glass BIPV façade that is mounted on a cable-net structure. The result is a high-performance optically dynamic façade, with a smooth and curvy appearance.