- EISSN: 2223-506X
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oa Smart building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) for Qatar
- Source: QScience Connect, Volume 2017, Issue 1, Special Issue on Shaping Qatar’s Sustainable Built Environment-Part I, Apr 2017, 3
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- 28 April 2017
Abstract
The consumption of electricity in residential buildings in Qatar is on the rise. According to Kahramaa (Qatar General Electricity and Water Company), the factors leading to this increased demand include urbanization and growth of population.1 Government institutions in Qatar want solar power to be the country's key energy source and have built up large photovoltaic (PV) systems for this purpose. These large PV power plants contribute to a certain proportion of the country's electrical energy supply. This also ensures reasonable utilization of free and usually unprofitable areas, for example on large utility buildings.
Small and middle-sized PV systems integrated into private buildings could fulfill more functions. These PV systems could also produce a significant proportion of electrical energy for places where electricity is consumed and could also provide the citizens of Qatar the opportunity to participate in the renewable energy age.
This article presents a comprehensive strategy for the integration of solar energy into the private residential buildings area. The strategy describes the provision of adapted PV systems suitable for Middle East's climatic conditions and Arabic architecture, and provides advice regarding how to deal with the climatic hurdles. The main focus of this compilation paper is to figure out how to overcome the economical handicap of minimal electricity price. With the help of Smart building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems, owners of private residential houses could participate in the production of renewable energy, thereby improving their social prestige. These Smart BIPV systems possess the ability to visualize the entire energy flow in the connected buildings, making the residents aware of their energy demands, in addition to providing tools to replace conventionally produced energy by self-produced solar energy as far as possible. Furthermore, the integrated house management system can control individual room functions to improve the living comfort of the residents in a way that matches their lifestyle.
