The comprehensive impact of urban morphology on the photovoltaic power generation potential of block-scale office buildings: Real blocks and design benchmarks

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic (PV) building integration is a key means of achieving the goal of zero-carbon buildings. Differences in morphology parameters of urban block lead to significant variations in PV power generation potentials (PVGP). Therefore, this paper aims to develop a five-levels PVGP assessment methodology, including radiation potential (RP), installation potential (IP), technical potential (TP), economic potential (EP) and carbon reduction potential (CRP), and quantify the comprehensive impact of morphology indicators on the PVGP of office blocks, using Wuhan as an example. Firstly, this paper proposed an innovative five-levels PVGP assessment method based on Rhino&Grasshopper platform; Then, architectural typology approach was adopted to classify the morphological typologies of real office block samples; Afterwards, the comprehensive impact of morphological indicators on PVGP was quantified; Finally, solar energy utilisation strategies applicable to office block renovation and new construction scenarios were proposed. The findings indicated that multi-storey slab office blocks had the best TP, EP and CRP, with 47.11 kWh/m²/y, 14.28 years, 0.218 RMB/kWh, and 482.22 kg CO₂/m², respectively. The building roofs area to façades ratio and building shape factor were the key morphological parameter combinations affecting TP and CRP. The building roofs area to façades ratio, envelope to site area ratio, building length to depth ratio and sky view factor were the key morphological parameter combinations affecting the economic payback period and PV power generation cost. The PVGP assessment model constructed in this paper can be extended globally, and the findings provide a design baseline for for the integration of PV modules and buildings suitable for office blocks renewal and solar planning in new blocks to build carbon–neutral blocks.