Advanced facades at the University of Southern Denmark

The aim of the project is to develop optimal control over the combination of solar cells, solar shading, daylight and artificial lighting integrated in intelligent facades and to demonstrate this in connection with the construction of the new University/Science Park of Southern Denmark at Sønderborg. Such multi-functional facades will contribute significantly to a reduction of energy consumption for lighting, ventilating and cooling of the buildings.

Solar cells will be integrated in the solar shading on the southern facade of the University. The slats of the solar shading have solar cells and the slats are movable so that the greatest need for screening from solar incidence coincides with the best opportunities for collecting solar energy from the integrated solar cells (the solar shading is orientated directly towards the sun).

In connection with the demonstration project it is the intention to investigate user satisfaction via questionnaire surveys. Behavioural regulation will be studied in the form of recording of the electricity consumption in selected rooms during periods when these rooms are supplied from the solar cell system and also during periods when there is no supply from the solar cell system.

It is the aim to investigate whether users either consciously or subconsciously save on electricity when they know that the current comes directly from solar cells. It is the plan to establish a 'Plus-energy office' in a defined office area behind the solar cell facade and provide it with the most energy efficient office equipment and electric fittings available.

The 'Plus-energy office' is supplied with electricity from solar cells placed only in its 'own' facade and it is the intention to demonstrate that it is possible to supply future offices with electricity exclusively by means of solar cells and perhaps even sell electricity from the 'Plus-energy office' to the grid.

SBi tasks include measurements at the combination solar cells-solar shading-daylight-indoor climate, user behaviour, and questionnaire surveys and communication activities.