Towards a near-zero energy landmark building using building integrated photovoltaics: the case of the Van Unnik building at Utrecht Science Park

Abstract

We assess the feasibility of renovation of a 22-story high-rise building from the 1960s to realize a near-zero energy building by cladding all usable parts of facades and roof using building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) components. With the present building electricity demand, which includes all energy demand of the building except for heating, it is not possible to generate all demand by BIPV: an annual self-sufficiency ratio of 0.666 or 0.756 is found, using two different roof designs, and 60% coverage of all facades by highly efficient (20%) BIPV modules. Analysis of energy yield on different typical days in summer and winter reveals that the building is self-sufficient for many hours of the day. As on such days, self-consumption is relatively low, which leads to considerable feed-in of surplus electricity to the grid, application of local storage would increase self-sufficiency considerably. Furthermore, it is imperative to lower the electricity demand of the building to reach high self-sufficiency ratios.