Abstract
In the framework of the EU H2020 project EnergyMatching, a catalogue of multifunctional and autonomous window renovation solutions was developed. Such catalogue is based on the Solar Window Block (SWB), which is a prefabricated window system that integrates a highly efficient window, a PV module, a shading system and a decentralized ventilation machine. The SWB aims at enhancing the energy performance and indoor comfort of existing residential buildings without adding electrical loads and simplifying the installation works. The development of the SWB was addressed through calculations, prototyping, testing campaign up to demo installation and monitoring. This paper focuses on the testing campaign validation process of this technology. Three main SWB configurations were designed and real scale prototypes manufactured, followed by dedicated tests to verify the operation of the system and its energy production-consumption matching performance. On the one hand, operational temperature tests showed a proper functioning of the electrical circuit of the system, as well as underlined the importance of the ventilative cooling of the electrical equipment. On the other hand, the energy matching performance tests showed the capability of the different SWB configurations to cover different demand profiles of the ventilation unit. Thanks to the holistic technology validation process, the executive SWB design has already implemented required modifications to assure safe functioning, easy installation and maintenance.