Monash campus is showcase for solar energy project
27 December 2007
Monash University's new campus in Bandar Sunway has the distinction of being a model building for Malaysia's Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) programme aimed at showcasing the concept of incorporating photovoltaic systems into a building during the construction phase.
Malaysia Energy Centre's National Project Leader for the effort, Mr Ahmad Hadri Haris said the project to install photovoltaic systems onto the roof of a bridge linking two of the campus' buildings was aimed at demonstrating that it was possible to incorporate such technology into a building without affecting its architecture.
"As we can see from this project, solar panels can be incorporated into designs without affecting their facade or affecting their architecture," he said during a recent visit to Monash University.
He said the project, implemented by the Malaysia Energy Centre in collaboration with Sunway Construction Berhad, was made possible through funding by the Global Environment Facility via the United Nations Development Programme.
Sunway Construction Berhad, which was the builder of the new Monash University campus, was keen to work with the Malaysia Energy Centre.
He said the solar panels installed at Monash University are of the thin-film type, which are typically more efficient in the local environment.
"The layout of the panels has been optimised for the bridge and it features two inverters to cater for the shaded and open areas. It is a showcase project in Malaysia as it is the only building in Malaysia to have this."
The equipment used for the system was purchased off the shelf. The panels have a life-span of about 20 years, with minimal deterioration of their power output.
The solar panels are able to generate about 7.36kW of energy, sufficient to power about six air-conditioners.
Monash University lecturer Dr Shen Weixiang said the project could also be used to support future research into photovoltaic systems being carried out on campus.
“With growing concerning about globe warming and energy conservation, the research in PV technology is accelerated,” said Dr Shen, whose areas of research on PV systems focuses on standalone PV systems which are widely applied in the remote areas, such as some areas in Sabah and Sarawak, where national power grid can not be accessed.
“The PV technology is one of renewable energy technologies which can support the development of our society in the sustainable way. Since solar cell is expensive in standalone PV systems, minimizing the size of solar cells is crucial to reduce the system cost.”
Aside from using the BIPV system to support research on campus, Monash University is also exploring the possibility of carrying out internship programmes with the Malaysia Energy Centre for its engineering students. These internships will provide students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in working on solar energy programmes and pick up practical skills to support their education. – by Jasbir Singh.
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