Thermal characteristics of heat-pipe-ring embedded building façades as both building-integrated and building-attached solar collectors

Solar energy utilization in buildings is crucial for energy conservation and carbon reduction. Previous studies have shown the promise of heat-pipe-ring (HPR) embedded building façades as effective modules for solar energy utilization and energy conservation in air-conditioning systems. However, research on their thermal characteristics as building-attached solar collectors is limited. This paper fills this gap by combining experimental data and numerical simulations using self-developed Fortran programs. Regression analysis of HPR modules in building integration solar systems (BISS) determines thermal efficiency and thermal loss coefficient. Results indicate the advantage of selective Cr coating in minimizing energy losses, with less pronounced impact from glass covers. Optimal HPR module designs for building-attached solar systems (BASS) in different Chinese climate regions are established, achieving yearly averaged thermal efficiencies ranging from 62.6 % to 73.5 %. The study further presents the thermal performance of HPR modules in BASS on a typical summer day in each city within each climate zone. These findings offer practical insights for selecting HPR modules in BASS systems tailored to diverse regions, promoting the integration of renewable solar energy into building applications. © 2024 The Authors.