Regulations and Requirements for BIPV System Design: A Comprehensive Analysis from Technology to Practice

Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is an innovative technology that integrates photovoltaic power generation systems with building structures. It not only generates electricity but also serves as part of the building, meeting the functional needs of the building.

However, the design of BIPV systemsinvolves multiple fields, including architecture, electricity, structure, and materialswith high technical requirements and complex design.

This article will delve into the regulations and requirements for BIPV system design, helping readers gain a comprehensive understanding of this technology.

I. Basic Concepts and Advantages of BIPV Systems



1. What is BIPV?

BIPV refers to the direct integration of photovoltaic modules into the exterior walls, roofs, windows, and other parts of a building, making them part of the building. Unlike traditional photovoltaic systems (BAPV, Building Attached Photovoltaics), BIPV is not only a power generation device but also undertakes building functions such as shading, heat insulation, and sound insulation.

2. Advantages of BIPV

Aesthetics: BIPV components can perfectly blend with the architectural style, enhancing the beauty of the building;

Energy saving: By combining power generation and building functions, it reduces building energy consumption;

Economy: Reduces the use of building materials and lowers construction costs;

Environmental protection: Reduces carbon emissions and promotes the development of green buildings.

II. Main Regulations for BIPV System Design



1. Building Code Requirements

The design of BIPV systems must comply with national and local building codes, mainly including:

“Technical Standard for Application of Building Photovoltaic Systems” (GB 51368-2019): Specifies the technical requirements for the design, construction, and acceptance of BIPV systems;

“Fire Protection Code for Building Design” (GB 50016-2014): Requires BIPV components to meet fire performance requirements to ensure building safety;

“Building Energy Efficiency Design Standard” (GB 50189-2015): Encourages the use of BIPV technology to improve building energy efficiency.

2. Electrical Safety Requirements

As a power generation device, the BIPV system must meet electrical safety standards:

“Design Code for Photovoltaic Power Plants” (GB 50797-2012): Specifies the electrical design, grounding protection, and lightning protection measures for photovoltaic systems;

“Design Code for Low-Voltage Power Distribution” (GB 50054-2011): Requires the power distribution design of the BIPV system to comply with low-voltage electrical safety standards.

3. Structural Safety Requirements

As part of the building, BIPV components must meet structural safety requirements:

“Code for Building Structure Loads” (GB 50009-2012): Specifies the load calculation and structural design of BIPV components;

“Code for Seismic Design of Buildings” (GB 50011-2010): Requires the design of BIPV systems in seismic design areas to meet seismic requirements.

III. Technical Points of BIPV System Design



1. Selection of Photovoltaic Components

The core of the BIPV system is the photovoltaic component. The following factors should be considered when selecting:

Efficiency and power: Select high-efficiency, high-power components to increase power generation;

Light transmittance: For windows, curtain walls, etc., components with good light transmittance should be selected;

Color and appearance: The color and appearance of the components should be coordinated with the architectural style;

Durability: The components must have good weather resistance, UV resistance, and impact resistance.

2. System Structural Design

The structural design of the BIPV system must meet the following requirements:

Load calculation: Consider wind load, snow load, earthquake load, etc., to ensure structural safety;

Waterproof design: Waterproof treatment should be done at the joints between the components and the building to prevent leakage;

Ventilation and heat dissipation: Design a reasonable ventilation structure to prevent component overheating and affect power generation efficiency.

3. Electrical System Design

The electrical design of the BIPV system should focus on the following aspects:

Inverter selection: Select high-efficiency, high-reliability inverters to ensure power conversion efficiency;

Cable wiring: Reasonably design the cable route to reduce line loss and ensure electrical safety;

Lightning protection and grounding: Design lightning protection and grounding systems according to specifications to prevent lightning accidents.

4. Intelligent and Monitoring System

Modern BIPV systems are usually equipped with intelligent monitoring systems to achieve the following functions:

Real-time monitoring: Monitor power generation, component temperature, system status, and other data;

Fault diagnosis: Timely detection and location of system faults to improve maintenance efficiency;

Data analysis: Optimize system operation and improve power generation efficiency through big data analysis.

IV. Practical Cases of BIPV System Design



1. Case 1: BIPV Roof of a Commercial Complex

This project integrates BIPV components into the building roof, with a total area of 5000 square meters and an installed capacity of 500 kW. The following aspects were considered in the design:

Structural safety: A high-strength support system is used to ensure the load-bearing capacity of the roof;

Waterproof design: A double-layer waterproof structure is used to prevent leakage;

Intelligent monitoring: An intelligent monitoring system is equipped to monitor power generation and system status in real time.

2. Case 2: BIPV Curtain Wall of an Office Building

This project uses BIPV components as the building curtain wall, with a total area of 3000 square meters and an installed capacity of 300 kW. The following aspects were focused on in the design:

Light Transmission: Components with 30% light transmission are selected to meet the indoor lighting needs;

Aesthetics: The component color coordinates with the building exterior, enhancing the building's aesthetics;

Ventilation Design: A double-skin curtain wall structure is designed to improve ventilation and heat dissipation.

V. Future Trends in BIPV System Design



1. Technological Innovation

Flexible Components: Flexible BIPV components can adapt to curved buildings, expanding application scenarios;

Perovskite Technology: Perovskite components have the advantages of high efficiency and low cost, and are expected to be widely used in the BIPV field in the future.

2. Policy Support

The state has introduced a number of policies to support the development of BIPV, such as the "Green Building Creation Action Plan" and "Opinions on Promoting Green Development of Urban and Rural Construction," providing policy support for the promotion of BIPV technology.

3. Market Prospects

According to data from the China Photovoltaic Industry Association, the BIPV market size reached 10 billion yuan in 2024, and is expected to maintain rapid growth in the next few years. With technological advancements and policy support, BIPV will become an important component of green buildings.

Conclusion


 

BIPV system design is a complex system engineering project involving multiple fields such as architecture, electricity, structure, and materials. Through scientific design and standardized construction, BIPV systems can not only generate electricity but also enhance the aesthetics and functionality of buildings.

In the future, with technological innovation and policy support, BIPV will play an increasingly important role in green buildings and energy transformation.