The ‘ENVISION’ project will demonstrate a full renovation concept that, for the first time, harvests energy from ALL building surfaces (transparent and opaque). ENVISION’ focusses on energy harvesting of the façade, and works by absorbing the invisible part of the solar radiation (the near-infrared (NIR) part, roughly 50% of the solar energy spectrum) allowing visible aspects to be retained. The ‘ENVISION’ harvesting of solar energy is achieved via:
1) heat collecting non-transparent aesthetically pleasing façade elements by harvesting the NIR solar radiation;
2) heat harvesting ventilated glass by harvesting the NIR solar radiation;
3) electricity harvesting photovoltaic glazing solutions harvesting, while coupled with a district energy grid.
