This is the first case of real application in Brazil. The BIPV modules were developed, tested and manufactured at BYD's plant in Campinas, São Paulo.
The Federal University of Santa Catarina, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and German-Brazilian Cooperation inaugurated last Friday (25/08), the first green hydrogen laboratory with full BIPV photovoltaic integration (Building-Integrated Photovoltaic System). The aim of the project is to support the expansion of the green hydrogen (H2V) market in the country.
BYD supplied the photovoltaic modules for the construction of the space, which began in the first half of this year. The laboratory has 360 modules, with powers of 450W and 530W. The latter, with a transparent backsheet, are specifically applied to the roof, depending on the slope and positioning, for greater energy generation. 450W modules were used on the side façades of the laboratory facilities.
Overall, the laboratory project has BIPV photovoltaic integration, where the modules will act as roof tiles and shading elements on the façades. In other words, they will have the function of sealing and shading, in addition to energy generation, which was one of the laboratory's main needs for producing green hydrogen.
In addition, one of the photovoltaic roofs will be used as a shading element for the building's slab, significantly minimizing thermal effects. It is estimated that there will be a 61% reduction in thermal load, 71% savings in the air conditioning system and a 52% reduction in installed lighting power.
The laboratory will be responsible for the production of clean energy, such as green hydrogen, which comes from the electrolysis of water using renewable sources such as wind and, above all, solar energy, a segment in which BYD Energy operates in Brazil. It is worth noting that green hydrogen can also be used in the composition of other fuels, synthesized from it, which will benefit from the characteristics of the free 100% chain and lower CO2 emissions.
Currently, energy generation from photovoltaic modules is one of the fastest growing technologies in the global market, and is increasingly used as an integrated device in construction, not only on roofs, but also on facades, brises and walls, with different dimensions, geometries and colors.
"The integration of technology, energy efficiency and architecture in construction is essential for the continued expansion of the photovoltaic sector and the development of smart cities. As the photovoltaic industry expands, the challenges also increase, but the demand for space becomes critical. BIPV research is strategic and fundamental to sustainable urban development. This project is an important milestone for the expansion of BIPV in Brazil," said Rodrigo Garcia, R&D manager at BYD Energy do Brasil.
BYD began its research and development of BIPV products at the beginning of 2022 and today inaugurates the first real application case in Brazil. The BIPV modules were developed, tested and manufactured at BYD's Campinas plant in São Paulo.
Another novelty that BYD will also be showing at Intersolar South America 2023 is the second generation of BIPV modules, the brand's solution developed for perfect integration with construction and architectural projects. It's worth noting that BIPV modules can also be customized in different colors for a harmonious and distinctive composition.
