scholarly journals The Combination of Building Greenery and Photovoltaic Energy Production—A Discussion of Challenges and Opportunities in Design

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 1537
Author(s):  
Irene Zluwa ◽  
Ulrike Pitha

In the case of building surfaces, the installation of green roofs or green facades can be used to reduce the temperature of the environment and the building. In addition, introducing photovoltaic energy production will help to reduce CO2 emissions. Both approaches (building greenery and photovoltaic energy production) compete, as both of them are located on the exterior of buildings. This paper aims to give an overview of solutions for the combination of building greenery (BG) systems and photovoltaic (PV) panels. Planning principles for different applications are outlined in a guideline for planning a sustainable surface on contemporary buildings. A comprehensive literature review was done. Identified solutions of combinations were systematically analysed and discussed in comparison with additional relevant literature. The main findings of this paper were: (A) BG and PV systems with low sub-construction heights require shallow substrates/low growing plants, whereas in the case of the combination of (a semi)-intensive GR system, a distance of a minimum 60 cm between the substrate surface and lower panel edge is recommended; (B) The cooling effect of the greenery depends on the distance between the PV and the air velocity; (C) if the substrate is dry, there is no evapotranspiration and therefore no cooling effect; (D) A spectrum of different PV systems, sub-constructions, and plants for the combination of BG and PV is necessary and suitable for different applications shown within the publication.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Hüseyin Sarper ◽  
Igor Melnykov ◽  
Lee Anne Martínez

Abstract This paper presents linear regression models to predict the daily energy production of three photovoltaic (PV) systems located in southeast Virginia. The prediction is based on daylight duration, sky index, the average relative humidity, and the presence of fog or mist. No other daily weather report components were statistically significant. The proposed method is easy to implement, and it can be used in conjunction with other advanced methods in estimating any given future day’s energy production if weather prediction is available. Data from 2013-2015 was used in the model construction. Model validation was performed using newer (2016, 2017, 2020, and 2021) data not used in the model construction. Results show good prediction accuracy for a simple methodology, free of system parameters, that can be utilized by ordinary photovoltaic energy users. The entire data set can be downloaded using the link provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (24) ◽  
pp. 10344
Author(s):  
Sameh Monna ◽  
Adel Juaidi ◽  
Ramez Abdallah ◽  
Mohammed Itma

This paper targets the future energy sustainability and aims to estimate the potential energy production from installing photovoltaic (PV) systems on the rooftop of apartment’s residential buildings, which represent the largest building sector. Analysis of the residential building typologies was carried out to select the most used residential building types in terms of building roof area, number of floors, and the number of apartments on each floor. A computer simulation tool has been used to calculate the electricity production for each building type, for three different tilt angles to estimate the electricity production. Tilt angle, spacing between the arrays, the building shape, shading from PV arrays, and other roof elements were analyzed for optimum and maximum electricity production. The electricity production for each household has been compared to typical household electricity consumption and its future consumption in 2030. The results show that installing PV systems on residential buildings can speed the transition to renewable energy and energy sustainability. The electricity production for building types with 2–4 residential units can surplus their estimated future consumption. Building types with 4–8 residential units can produce their electricity consumption in 2030. Building types of 12–24 residential units can produce more than half of their 2030 future consumption.


Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 499
Author(s):  
Sebastian Klaudiusz Tomczak ◽  
Anna Skowrońska-Szmer ◽  
Jan Jakub Szczygielski

In an era of increasing energy production from renewable sources, the demand for components for renewable energy systems has dramatically increased. Consequently, managers and investors are interested in knowing whether a company associated with the semiconductor and related device manufacturing sector, especially the photovoltaic (PV) systems manufacturers, is a money-making business. We apply a new approach that extends prior research by applying decision trees (DTs) to identify ratios (i.e., indicators), which discriminate between companies within the sector that do (designated as “green”) and do not (“red”) produce elements of PV systems. Our results indicate that on the basis of selected ratios, green companies can be distinguished from the red companies without an in-depth analysis of the product portfolio. We also find that green companies, especially operating in China are characterized by lower financial performance, thus providing a negative (and unexpected) answer to the question posed in the title.


Dementia ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 1739-1757 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lydia Morris ◽  
Warren Mansell ◽  
Tracey Williamson ◽  
Alison Wray ◽  
Phil McEvoy

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the power of integrating three theoretical perspectives (Mentalization Theory, Perceptual Control Theory and the Communicative Impact model), which jointly illuminate the communication challenges and opportunities faced by family carers of people with dementia. To point the way to how this framework informs the design and delivery of carer communication and interaction training.MethodConceptual synthesis based on a narrative review of relevant literature, supported by examples of family carers.ResultsWe use the conceptual models to show how the capacity to mentalize (“holding mind in mind”) offers a greater sense of control over internal and external conflicts, with the result that they can be deescalated in pursuit of mutual goals.ConclusionsThe integrative conceptual framework presented here highlights specific psychological and relational mechanisms that can be targeted through carer training to enhance communication with a person living with dementia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. 594-612
Author(s):  
Atilgan Atilgan

With the increasing need for energy, energy studies to be obtained from waste gain importance. In this study, it has been tried to determine the amount of biogas energy that can be obtained from olive pomace (pirina), which is produced by processing oil olives. Numerical maps of pirina amounts and potential biogas energy values and location maps of the proposed pirina processing plant were created. The necessary calculations were made by comparing the obtained results with the relevant literature information. In the study, the current potential biogas energy amount was calculated, maps were created and the electricity and gasoline energy equivalent levels of this energy were tried to be calculated using the 2015-2019 data of the Mediterranean, Aegean and Marmara Regions. The total potential amount of pirina in the research area is 1853375.7 tons and the potential biogas energy amount that can be obtained is 33360762.4 MJ. Pirina, which is the production waste after pressing the olives for oil, can be used for energy production. By using pirina to obtain biogas energy, both the utilization of pirina and the development of the regions will be provided.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefan Sattler ◽  
Irene Zluwa ◽  
Doris Österreicher

In urban areas, summer temperatures are continuously increasing, and cities are aiming at implementing measures to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Reducing sealed surfaces and adding plants have been shown to be beneficial for urban microclimates. Green roofs are thus a viable alternative to standard roofs made out of materials that completely seal the top layer. However, roofs are, at the same time, also ideal for the integration of photovoltaics (PVs), as they are mostly unshaded. With both applications competing for the same surface area, solutions must be found that symbiotically combine the benefits of vegetation and renewable energy. Using an interdisciplinary study, various designs were developed for prototypical applications to integrate PV systems into rooftop gardens, with a specific focus on retrofitting flat roofs. The prototypes were analyzed and tested based on structural design aspects, suitable plant choices, and energy output. The results showed that the concurrent integration of PVs and green roofs into the same surface area can be achieved with lightweight construction, which is particularly suitable for existing buildings. The system can contribute to much-needed urban renewable energy generation, the mitigation of the UHI effect, and the provision of recreational spaces.


Energy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 208 ◽  
pp. 118149
Author(s):  
Yao K. Azoumah ◽  
Alain K. Tossa ◽  
Rock A. Dake

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