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Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Morphology Indexes for Solar Radiation Acquisition Potential in Lhasa Urban Residential Area

Author

Listed:
  • Guorui Song

    (School of Mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China)

  • Yu Liu

    (School of Mechanics, Civil Engineering and Architecture, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710129, China)

  • Wenqiang Li

    (Digitalize Civil Branch of China Railway 12th Bureau Co., Ltd., Xi’an 710076, China)

  • Jingbo Tan

    (School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China)

  • Seigen Cho

    (Institute of Urban Innovation, Yokohama National University, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan)

Abstract

Solar energy is a type of renewable and sustainable energy. Enhancing the acquisition and utilization of solar radiation in urban residential areas is a crucial strategy for advancing sustainable development goals. The morphology of urban residential areas plays a vital role in determining their solar radiation acquisition (SRA) potential. Existing studies have primarily focused on exploring the correlation between the individual morphology index and SRA potential for residential areas. However, in the actual process of project design, there is a common need to simultaneously adjust multiple morphology indexes according to specific criteria. The question of “How to compare the magnitude of the impact of simultaneous changes in multiple morphology indexes on the SRA potential of a residential area” has not yet been systematically analyzed and fully answered. This study compares the sensitivity of multiple morphology indexes when changed collectively and assesses their comprehensive impact on the SRA potential of residential areas. The aim is to determine how to comprehensively control multiple morphology indexes in the early planning and design stages to maximize solar energy utilization in residential areas. It is concluded that, when considering the floor area ratio index under identical conditions, an increase in building density proves more advantageous for enhancing SRA compared to an increase in building height. In cases where the building height is less than 24 m and the floor area ratio is below 1.5, elevating the building density yields greater photovoltaic (PV) potential for the residential area. With a limited site area, the impact of building height on SRA far outweighs that of the layout. The layout does not significantly affect the annual solar radiation amount per unit of external surface area (ASU). With increasing building height, the impact of layout on heating season solar radiation amount per unit of external surface area (HSU) becomes more pronounced. A vertical staggered layout and a row layout exhibit significantly superior performance compared to a horizontal staggered layout in this regard. However, when the building height exceeds 24 m and the floor area ratio surpasses 1.5, the PV potential of the vertical staggered layout surpasses that of the row layout and horizontal staggered layout for the same building height. The influence of building height on SRA is slightly greater than that of the building orientation under similar conditions. The change in SRA potential with orientation under the same height follows a consistent pattern.

Suggested Citation

  • Guorui Song & Yu Liu & Wenqiang Li & Jingbo Tan & Seigen Cho, 2024. "Comprehensive Comparative Analysis of Morphology Indexes for Solar Radiation Acquisition Potential in Lhasa Urban Residential Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-24, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:12:p:4893-:d:1410721
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhang, Ji & Xu, Le & Shabunko, Veronika & Tay, Stephen En Rong & Sun, Huixuan & Lau, Stephen Siu Yu & Reindl, Thomas, 2019. "Impact of urban block typology on building solar potential and energy use efficiency in tropical high-density city," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C), pages 513-533.
    2. Sarralde, Juan José & Quinn, David James & Wiesmann, Daniel & Steemers, Koen, 2015. "Solar energy and urban morphology: Scenarios for increasing the renewable energy potential of neighbourhoods in London," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 10-17.
    3. Zhu, Rui & Wong, Man Sing & You, Linlin & Santi, Paolo & Nichol, Janet & Ho, Hung Chak & Lu, Lin & Ratti, Carlo, 2020. "The effect of urban morphology on the solar capacity of three-dimensional cities," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 153(C), pages 1111-1126.
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