Technical and financial feasibility of employing cutting-edge solar technologies and design strategies in the retrofit of large commercial buildings

The proposed project aims at exploring the technical and financial feasibility of employing cutting-edge solar technologies and design strategies in the retrofit of large commercial buildings, and application to a case study in Schefferville. The research consists of two main design 1) incorporating commonly existing PV panels into Rainscreen cladding, to act as the outer protective layer of a retrofitted building envelope; and 2) explore the envelope design a rooftop greenhouse to integrate Semi-transparent PV panels. Extensive review of existing technologies will be conducted, and analysis of implementation within the mentioned envelope systems, in terms of energy generation potential, impact on the building energy performance, and life cycle cost assessment as compared to existing envelope systems. This project will assist the partners Gestion Schefferville Inc. in addressing the challenge of developing accurate lifecycle cost and energy assessment of various technologies in the retrofit of commercial building including hotels.

Faculty Supervisor:

Caroline Hachem-Vermette

Student:

Partner:

Gestion Schefferville Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Accommodation and food services

University:

Concordia University; University of Calgary

Program: