Optimizing urban block morphologies for net-zero energy cities:Exploring photovoltaic potential and urban design prototype

The morphology of urban areas plays a crucial role in determining solar potential,which directly affects photovoltaic capacity and the achievement of net-zero outcomes.This study focuses on the City of Melbourne to investigate the utilization of solar energy across different urban densities and proposes optimized morphologies.The analysis encompasses blocks with diverse population densities,examining medium and high-density areas.By utilizing a multi-objective genetic optimization approach,the urban morphology of these blocks is refined.The findings indicate that low-density blocks exhibit photovoltaic potential ranging from 1 to 6.6 times their total energy consumption.Medium and high-density blocks achieve photovoltaic potential levels approximately equivalent to 40%-85%of their overall energy consumption.Moreover,significant variations in photovoltaic potential are observed among different urban forms within medium and high-density blocks.An“elevated corners with central valley”prototype is proposed as an effective approach,enhancing the overall photovoltaic potential by approximately 14%.This study introduces novel analytical concepts,shedding light on the intricate relationship between urban morphologies and photovoltaic potential.

Influence of urban morphological factors on building energy consumption combined with photovoltaic potential: A case study of residential blocks in central China

Studies on urban energy have been growing in interest,and past research has mostly been focused on studies of urban solar potential or urban building energy consumption independently.However,holistic research on the combination of urban building energy consumption and solar potential at the urban block-scale is required in order to minimize energy use and maximize solar power generation simultaneously.The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the impact of urban morphological factors on photovoltaic(PV)potential and building energy consumption.Firstly,58 residential blocks were classified into 6 categories by k-means clustering.Secondly,3 energy performance factors,which include the energy use intensity(EUI),the energy use intensity combined with PV potential(EUI-PV),and photovoltaic substitution rate(PSR)were calculated for these blocks.The study found that the EUI of the Small Length&High Height blocks was the lowest at around 30 kWh/(m^(2)·y),while the EUI-PV of the Small Length&Low Height blocks was the lowest at around 4.45 kWh/(m^(2)·y),and their PSR was the highest at 87%.Regression modelling was carried out,and the study concluded that the EUI of residential blocks was mainly affected by shape factor,building density and floor area ratio,while EUI-PV and PSR were mainly affected by height and sky view factor.In this study,the results and developed methodology are helpful to provide recommendations and strategies for sustainable planning of residential blocks in central China.

A comprehensive analysis of future solar energy potential variations using a CMIP6 multi-model ensemble approach in Colombia

Climate change is predicted to significantly impact solar energy generation,which is particularly concerning given that photovoltaic(PV)energy is critical to the global transition to clean energy in underdeveloped countries.This study analyses the PV potential variations in Colombia using a Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6(CMIP6)multi-model ensemble approach under two shared socio-economic pathway scenarios for the near(2025-50)and far(2051-2100)future.During the near-future period,the Pacific,Andean and Orinoquía regions are expected to experience a decrease in PV potential ranging from 10%to 23%for all shared socio-economic pathways.It will be particularly noticeable during the March/April/May and June/July/August seasons.On the other hand,CMIP6 estimations indicate a 1-4%increase in PV potential across the Amazon region during the June/July/August and September/October/November seasons.For the far future,it has been projected that the Pacific,Andean and Orinoquía regions may experience a significant decline in solar power generation due to increased cloud cover and reduced sunshine.The decrease in PV potential during the June/July/August season could range from 8%to 27%for all considered scenarios,with the Pacific region being the most affected.The Pacific region is projected to experience a decrease ranging from 10%to 35%for all seasons.It is worth noting that there are noticeable differences in PV potential across various regions,which can result in changes in cloud cover and atmospheric aerosols.Overall,the study provides valuable insights into the PV potential in Colombia and highlights the importance of considering regional variations and climate change scenarios in future energy planning.