Effects of photovoltaic modules on the thermal load of an industrial building

Abstract

Introduction: Limited considerations have been given to the indirect benefits provided by rooftop photovoltaic systems. The study aim was to analyze the influence of rooftop-mounted photovoltaic (PV) modules on the thermal load of an industrial building in Choloma, Honduras. Methods: The study was performed by installing temperature sensors on the exterior and interior faces of the warehouse roof of an industrial building before and after the installation of a photovoltaic system. The information recorded by the sensors was used in a thermodynamic model to determine the heat transfer and heat gain. Results: The exterior roof temperature showed an average reduction of 9.29 °C after the installation of PV modules. Additionally, the maximum exterior roof temperature decreased 14.6 °C after the PV system installation. Conversely, the interior ceiling did not present significant changes. The thermodynamic analysis showed that before the installation of PV modules, the average heat gain on the chosen days was 18.16 Wh /m², while it obtained an average of 2.94 Wh / m² after the installation. Conclusion: A reduction of an 83.8% in the total heat gain was obtained through the warehouse roof.