Towards BIM-based digital twinning of BIPV(T)-façades

Abstract

The renewable energy technologies photovoltaic and solar heat play a major role for the decarbonizing of the building sector. Novel approaches show the integration of those energy systems in a building instead of the common rooftop installation. So-called Building-integrated Photovoltaic Thermal Systems (BIPV(T)) can e. g. act as a replacement for roofing or as façade. They grant the possibility of producing electricity as well as thermal energy. Due to the high significance of the operating phase of buildings in terms of general energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, the optimal operation of buildings and their technical systems plays a crucial role in set climate goals. Current trends in the digitalization of the construction world, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Digital Twins, hold alleged potential for sustainable and forward-looking monitoring and maintenance processes of BIPV(T)-systems. This paper demonstrates a proof-of-concept towards a BIM-based digital twin for the yield monitoring and maintenance of an innovative BIPV(T)-façade. In addition to the basic concept, the realization of the prototype is discussed.