European PV Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition in Amsterdam
AAF 3D © EPFL / LAST
Many experts active in the photovoltaic sector gathered during the 33rd European PV Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC 2017), held from 25 to 29 September 2017 in Amsterdam. On this occasion, the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) has presented a contribution concerning a new façade constructive system entitled « Advanced Active Façades ». This work is the result of a partnership between the Centre suisse d'électronique et de microtechnique (CSEM) and the company H.Glass. It is part of the PV 2050 research project, realized with the support of the Swiss National Fund (SNF) in the framework of the National Research Programs "Energy Turnaround" (NRP 70).
The experts of the PV solar branch meet in Amsterdam to discuss new concepts, trends and developments in science and industry. The EU PVSEC constitutes an important platform for dialogue and information exchange on photovoltaic research, technologies and applications. With 1’107 presentations, this 33rd edition was again the world’s largest PV scientific conference.
At a time of energy transition, only a small percentage of building integrated photovoltaic systems (BIPV) potential is currently valued in cities and urban areas. Among the issues to deal with, architectural issues are of paramount importance. The emergence of new technologies and the inclusion of BIPV from the preliminary design sketches suggest new paradigms for advanced integrated design.
In this context, the approach that led to the development of the « Advanced Active Façades » system is based on an interdisciplinary approach regarding the façades of the future and the integration of several objectives, in particular facilitating the possibilities of architectural integration, prefabrication of elements, low environmental impact (low carbon façade) and efficiency in photovoltaic technology.
Angela Clua Longas, Sophie Lufkin, Emmanuel Rey, "Introducing the Advanced Active Façade : Towards Near-Zero Energy Buildings, incorporating BIPV expressive issues", 33rd European PV Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (PVSEC 2017), Amsterdam, September 25-29, 2017