High operating temperatures harm photovoltaic (PV) modules. The increase in temperature of the cells leads to lower open circuit voltage and higher short circuit current ultimately leading to a lower power output due to a negative thermal coefficient. Hence, lowering the temperature of commercial crystalline silicon modules during their operation becomes desirable, as it increases the system's energy yield and prolongs the module's lifespan. Throughout the years several attempts have been made to decrease the temperature of PV modules, characterized my two main groups of cooling techniques, active and passive cooling techniques. Active cooling techniques require additional power to cool the panels whereas passive cooling techniques rely on natural convection and require no additional power input. In this thesis, we experimentally investigate the cooling potential of a novel passive cooling method that integrates an internal heat sink into PV modules. The basic idea of the technology is to create a thermal circuit beneath the solar cell that allows for the extraction of the heat directly from the solar cell to the outside environment. The experiments started on a single solar cell, to find the best configuration. We adapted the optimized design onto a 2x2 PV and a 3x3 PV module. Finally, the internal heat sinks were connected to a frame. We observed a temperature reduction of around 4-5°C on the module with the internal heat sink compared to a Standard module under the same environmental conditions.

The built environment contributes with 39% of the CO2 emissions in the world [3]. At the same time it is a sector that is expected to grow from US$10.9 trillion (2017) to US$12.9 trillion (2022) [4]. A sector with such an economic growth but with a negative environmental impact needs to innovate in order to reduce its carbon footprint. These are the reasons why, along this project, one of the most traditional components of the building façade will be re-designed. Glazing is a key component for the transformation of the built environment into a cleaner sector. Through glazing, radiation and natural light are received. With smarter window designs that make use of switchable films (films that change their transparency with different impulses) this reception could be done in a more efficient way. This can reduce the need of other artificial devices like air conditioning and light bulbs inside the buildings. Furthermore, if glazing is coupled with solar energy harvesting technologies like solar cells, an autonomous device can be created. A smart window that includes photovoltaic solar cells and an electrically switchable film is prototyped through this project. The selection of materials and construction of the window are explained through this document. Software modelling to recreate real life scenarios during a whole year are performed and the results are encouraging. An off-grid photovoltaic system that supplies energy to an electrically switchable film, all coupled in a glazing for building façade is technically possible, even in challenging environmental conditions.