Performance of Zigzag Photovoltaic Noise Barriers near a Belgian Highway

Abstract

Herein, the energy performance of photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) with cassette and shingles built-on designs is evaluated using imec's energy yield framework. The simulation is validated through on-site electrical and thermal measurements, and then the same design is employed for a case study near E19 road in Belgium using different scenarios. To optimize the energy yield, variations in the noise barrier height, orientation, and PV module tilt are introduced. The energy yield is then simulated to identify the optimal combination of parameters to maximize energy production. The results show that the cassette built-on PVNB with fixed cassette distance provides higher energy yield throughout the year compared to other scenarios, and a low-rise noise barrier is more energy-efficient due to reduced shading effects. Sound pressure simulation conducted in COMSOL reveals that the cassette built-on and shingles built-on have comparable performance in sound reduction, and high-rise noise barriers with small tilts (20°–40°) are optimal for sound pressure attenuation.