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Solar Energy Utilization Potential in Urban Residential Blocks: A Case Study of Wuhan, China

Author

Listed:
  • Shiyu Jin

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Hui Zhang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
    College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Xiaoxi Huang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Junle Yan

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Haibo Yu

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Ningcheng Gao

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Xueying Jia

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

  • Zhengwei Wang

    (School of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China)

Abstract

In dense, energy-demanding urban areas, the effective utilization of solar energy resources, encompassing building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems and solar water heating (SWH) systems inside buildings, holds paramount importance for addressing concerns related to carbon emission reduction and the balance of energy supply and demand. This study aimed to examine the interplay between urban residential blocks and their solar energy potential, with the objective of promoting environmentally sustainable development within urban residential areas. The primary focus of this study was the hot summer and cold winter zone of China, which serves as a representative case study. Methodologically, we employed Rhinoceros and Grasshopper (GH) software version GH6.0 tools to simulate the solar radiation potential within residential blocks and translated this information into the potential utilization of BIPV and SWH systems. Subsequently, our focus was directed towards identifying optimal locations for mounting BIPV modules and water heaters on roofs and building façades. The study results revealed the following: (1) The floor area ratio (FAR), building density (BD), average building height (ABH), and space layout (SL) exerted substantial influences on the solar potential of a residential block, with correlations of up to 75%, 71%, 78%, and 50%, respectively, concerning the overall solar potential of the entire plot. (2) It is essential to emphasize that, with regard to the BIPV installation potential, façades account for 80% of the overall residential block potential, whereas rooftops contribute only 20%. Both south- and west-facing façades exhibited a BIPV installation ratio of approximately 34%. (3) In the realm of solar water heating, the potential for installations on building façades accounted for 77% of the total living area of the residential blocks, 23% on the rooftops, and 35% on the south-facing façades. This study furnishes practical guidelines for harnessing the potential of BIPV and SWH systems within residential blocks, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable urban development practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Shiyu Jin & Hui Zhang & Xiaoxi Huang & Junle Yan & Haibo Yu & Ningcheng Gao & Xueying Jia & Zhengwei Wang, 2023. "Solar Energy Utilization Potential in Urban Residential Blocks: A Case Study of Wuhan, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-34, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:22:p:15988-:d:1281069
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Huang, Zhaojian & Mendis, Thushini & Xu, Shen, 2019. "Urban solar utilization potential mapping via deep learning technology: A case study of Wuhan, China," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C), pages 283-291.
    2. Mendis, Thushini & Huang, Zhaojian & Xu, Shen & Zhang, Weirong, 2020. "Economic potential analysis of photovoltaic integrated shading strategies on commercial building facades in urban blocks: A case study of Colombo, Sri Lanka," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 194(C).
    3. Freitas, Jader de Sousa & Cronemberger, Joára & Soares, Raí Mariano & Amorim, Cláudia Naves David, 2020. "Modeling and assessing BIPV envelopes using parametric Rhinoceros plugins Grasshopper and Ladybug," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 160(C), pages 1468-1479.
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    1. Drozd, Paweł & Kapica, Jacek & Jurasz, Jakub & Dąbek, Paweł, 2025. "Evaluating cities' solar potential using geographic information systems: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).

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