ABSTRACT
Space heating is provided by passive solar gains, internal gains and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and, when these do not suffice, very small air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) can be used to provide top-up space heating. ASHPs use an electric powered compressor to circulate refrigerant between coils exposed to both the hot and cold external environment and the internal room. If the solar cooling system can be added to rainscreen building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) systems, then the building envelope gains another valuable property. Using solar thermal collector technology means that solar electricity generated by PV panels and stored in the battery system can make a comfortable internal environment for most of the year. Glazed frameless balconies can be used to mount the vacuum tube solar collectors, or they can be mounted behind clear glazed panels set within a BIPV roof and facade system.
