New design of solar collector integrated into solar louvres for efficient heat transfer

The work presented in this paper is concerned with the design of new solar collector integrated into louvred shading devices. In addition to protecting glazed spaces from excessive solar gain, the collector would be able to supply heat energy to building systems under a range of climatic conditions. This would reduce the buildings primary energy consumption and so its contribution to global CO2 emission. Various designs of solar louvre collector are discussed and a new type of absorber plate based on heat pipe technology is investigated. The compatibility of louvres with different sizes and shapes could improve solar control and the aesthetics of building facades.