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A Study on the Optimization of Photovoltaic Installations on the Facades of Semi-Outdoor Substations

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  • Xiaohui Wu

    (Power Grid Planning Research Center of Guangdong Power Grid Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510220, China)

  • Yanfeng Wang

    (Power Grid Planning Research Center of Guangdong Power Grid Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510220, China)

  • Yufei Tan

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

  • Ping Su

    (School of Architecture, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
    State Key Laboratory of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510630, China)

Abstract

This paper explores the optimal configuration strategies for building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems in response to the low-carbon transformation needs of semi-outdoor substations, aiming to reconcile the contradiction between photovoltaic (PV) power generation efficiency and indoor environmental control in industrial buildings. Taking a 220 kV semi-outdoor substation of the China Southern Power Grid as a case study, a building energy consumption–PV power generation coupling model was established using EnergyPlus software. The impacts of three PV wall constructions and different building orientations on a transformer room and an air-conditioned living space were analyzed. The results show the EPS-filled PV structure offers superior passive thermal performance and cooling energy savings, making it more suitable for substation applications with high thermal loads. Building orientation plays a decisive role in the net energy performance, with an east–west alignment significantly enhancing the PV module’s output and energy efficiency due to better solar exposure. Based on current component costs, electricity prices, and subsidies, the BIPV system demonstrates a moderate annual return, though the relatively long payback period presents a challenge for widespread adoption. East–west orientations offer better returns due to their higher solar exposure. It is recommended to adopt east–west layouts in EPS-filled PV construction to optimize both energy performance and economic performance, while further shortening the payback period through technical and policy support. This study provides an optimized design path for industrial BIPV module integration and aids power infrastructure’s low-carbon shift.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaohui Wu & Yanfeng Wang & Yufei Tan & Ping Su, 2025. "A Study on the Optimization of Photovoltaic Installations on the Facades of Semi-Outdoor Substations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:12:p:5460-:d:1678396
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Anna Mutule & Olegs Borscevskis & Victor Astapov & Irina Antoskova & Paula Carroll & Evita Kairisa, 2025. "PV Energy Communities in Residential Apartments: Technical Capacities and Economic Viability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Wijeratne, W.M. Pabasara Upalakshi & Samarasinghalage, Tharushi Imalka & Yang, Rebecca Jing & Wakefield, Ron, 2022. "Multi-objective optimisation for building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) roof projects in early design phase," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 309(C).
    3. Yao, Huizong & Zang, Chuanfu, 2021. "The spatiotemporal characteristics of electrical energy supply-demand and the green economy outlook of Guangdong Province, China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 214(C).
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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