Embedding passive intelligence into building envelopes: A review of the state-of-the-art in integrated photovoltaic shading devices

Façades represent both a physical barrier between inside and out, and a phenomenological medium to manifest architecture in terms of style, impression, school of thought or personal statement of their designers. With recent advancement in technology, facades are presenting themselves more and more as a canvas to put the idea of integrated design into practice and that is where the idea of Integrated Façade System (IFS), in general, and photovoltaic (PV) integrated shading devices, in particular, are probably born. This paper sets out to review the-state-of-the-art literature on integrated PV shading devices and their application to highly and fully glazed façades with an aim to investigate the influential factors, parameters and strategies as well as assessment methods and indicators for measuring energy performance of buildings where such technologies are used, by means of a systems theory approach. 49 papers were found and reviewed for this study and some unexpected outcomes were revealed. The results indicate that most of the research is about how calibration of the parameters influences the performance of the system. It also reveals that there are very few studies on the PV integrated shading devices where a holistic approach has been used for system evaluation which take comprehensive account of all influential factors. Based on the findings of this paper, it is advisable that there is a need for more in-depth study of system configurations under the specific circumstances which are highlighted in this paper.