The Effectiveness of Photovoltaic Panels for High Rise Building Applications
Summary Statement of Proposed Project:
This report will determine the most efficient way to place photovoltaic (PV) panels on the facades of high rise buildings. Also, it will increase understanding and awareness of the cost and benefits of installing PV panels.
Purpose:
With energy cost increasing and with environmental awareness becoming more prevalent there is starting to become a push to increase efficiency and decrease energy consumption. Many products are starting to come onto the market to address these issues although much of what has come out is not understood very well and the environmental and economical costs are not really known. This report will look into the costs and benefits of replacing the glass between levels on high rise buildings with PV panels as a way of increasing efficiency and decreasing dependence on energy generated in less environmentally friendly ways.
Goals & Objectives:
Throughout this project a number of items will be covered. These items will include:
• determining the net environmental benefit,
• establishing the configuration of PV panels that will produce the greatest amount of energy over the course of one year,
• determining the economical benefits, and initial cost of replacing the glass panels with PV panels,
• conceiving an effective way to attach the PV panels to the building, taking into account other building materials and techniques, and
• assessing the overall feasibility of this initiative.
Methodology & Analytical Approach:
PV panels will be researched to determine exactly how they work and differentiate between different types of panels to determine what kind of panel will work the best for this application. Different orientations for the panels will be looked at in both the horizontal and vertical directions to determine optimum orientations and to determine at what orientations the panels become ineffective. To do this a sun study will be performed and weather trends will be reviewed to determined how much sun the panels will be subjected to and what angles will get more sunlight.
A conceptual design of a building will be created to assist in the illustration of the solar panel application. The conceptual design will be used to perform shadow studies as well as to determine the orientation mentioned earlier and to show aesthetics of using the panels.
To determine the economics of this project curtain wall and PV panel manufacturers will be contacted to assess the supply and install difference between the two materials. Both types of manufactures will be referenced to determine current mounting techniques. These techniques will be reviewed and necessary modifications will be made where required to give the best possible mounting solution.
The annual energy production of the PV panels will be analyzed and the monetary value of this energy will be determined. With this information and the cost difference of installing the PV panels the return period of the initial investment will be calculated taking into account interest and inflation rates.
Related Information:
In most cases that PV panels are used, the entire supply and installation cost is additional to the project cost. This makes the return of the initial capital cost longer; therefore, the economic feasibility is less appealing. By removing one material and replacing it with another, the initial capital cost is offset. If the cost difference is relatively minor the economic feasibility will be higher. This could change the industry in that we may be able to incorporate solar panels in high rise applications with an acceptable rate of return, therefore making a positive impact on the environment.
Relative case studies such as The Solaire (National Resource Defense Council, 2003) in Battery Park, NYC and The Ouellette Manor (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1990) in Windsor Ontario illustrate how the proposed application of PV panels compares to current applications. The different applications will be compared and contrasted to determine the best possible method.
Dissemination of work:
The outcomes of this report will be shared to the public through different means including:
• a continually updated online blog
• presentation at the TRU annual undergraduate student research conference
• potential publication of findings into academic journals
• presentations at other relevant conferences
Contribution of the Project to my Academic Goals and Objectives:
As there is an increasing demand for smaller building footprints, the height of buildings is getting to be increasingly taller. Because of the smaller footprint size, there is less space available on the roof area to place photovoltaic panels; however, I noticed that there was a large amount of space on the sides. I wanted to try to find a good way to maximize on the available wall space.
In implementing the project my role will be to research existing data, and relative case studies, create my own conceptual designs and generate wall details. I will need to contact professionals in the industry to get informed opinions. Ultimately, I will draw my own conclusions and make recommendations for the best way to incorporate solar energy in high rise buildings.
My personal academic objective is to graduate from the Architectural and Engineering Technology program at Thompson Rivers University, and obtain a job in the field of Architectural Design. This would help me to achieve my goal in that it will help me showcase my skills in researching, and also I will be gaining valuable knowledge relevant to the future of green building design.
Summary Statement of Proposed Project:
This report will determine the most efficient way to place photovoltaic (PV) panels on the facades of high rise buildings. Also, it will increase understanding and awareness of the cost and benefits of installing PV panels.
Purpose:
With energy cost increasing and with environmental awareness becoming more prevalent there is starting to become a push to increase efficiency and decrease energy consumption. Many products are starting to come onto the market to address these issues although much of what has come out is not understood very well and the environmental and economical costs are not really known. This report will look into the costs and benefits of replacing the glass between levels on high rise buildings with PV panels as a way of increasing efficiency and decreasing dependence on energy generated in less environmentally friendly ways.
Goals & Objectives:
Throughout this project a number of items will be covered. These items will include:
• determining the net environmental benefit,
• establishing the configuration of PV panels that will produce the greatest amount of energy over the course of one year,
• determining the economical benefits, and initial cost of replacing the glass panels with PV panels,
• conceiving an effective way to attach the PV panels to the building, taking into account other building materials and techniques, and
• assessing the overall feasibility of this initiative.
Methodology & Analytical Approach:
PV panels will be researched to determine exactly how they work and differentiate between different types of panels to determine what kind of panel will work the best for this application. Different orientations for the panels will be looked at in both the horizontal and vertical directions to determine optimum orientations and to determine at what orientations the panels become ineffective. To do this a sun study will be performed and weather trends will be reviewed to determined how much sun the panels will be subjected to and what angles will get more sunlight.
A conceptual design of a building will be created to assist in the illustration of the solar panel application. The conceptual design will be used to perform shadow studies as well as to determine the orientation mentioned earlier and to show aesthetics of using the panels.
To determine the economics of this project curtain wall and PV panel manufacturers will be contacted to assess the supply and install difference between the two materials. Both types of manufactures will be referenced to determine current mounting techniques. These techniques will be reviewed and necessary modifications will be made where required to give the best possible mounting solution.
The annual energy production of the PV panels will be analyzed and the monetary value of this energy will be determined. With this information and the cost difference of installing the PV panels the return period of the initial investment will be calculated taking into account interest and inflation rates.
Related Information:
In most cases that PV panels are used, the entire supply and installation cost is additional to the project cost. This makes the return of the initial capital cost longer; therefore, the economic feasibility is less appealing. By removing one material and replacing it with another, the initial capital cost is offset. If the cost difference is relatively minor the economic feasibility will be higher. This could change the industry in that we may be able to incorporate solar panels in high rise applications with an acceptable rate of return, therefore making a positive impact on the environment.
Relative case studies such as The Solaire (National Resource Defense Council, 2003) in Battery Park, NYC and The Ouellette Manor (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1990) in Windsor Ontario illustrate how the proposed application of PV panels compares to current applications. The different applications will be compared and contrasted to determine the best possible method.
Dissemination of work:
The outcomes of this report will be shared to the public through different means including:
• a continually updated online blog
• presentation at the TRU annual undergraduate student research conference
• potential publication of findings into academic journals
• presentations at other relevant conferences
Contribution of the Project to my Academic Goals and Objectives:
As there is an increasing demand for smaller building footprints, the height of buildings is getting to be increasingly taller. Because of the smaller footprint size, there is less space available on the roof area to place photovoltaic panels; however, I noticed that there was a large amount of space on the sides. I wanted to try to find a good way to maximize on the available wall space.
In implementing the project my role will be to research existing data, and relative case studies, create my own conceptual designs and generate wall details. I will need to contact professionals in the industry to get informed opinions. Ultimately, I will draw my own conclusions and make recommendations for the best way to incorporate solar energy in high rise buildings.
My personal academic objective is to graduate from the Architectural and Engineering Technology program at Thompson Rivers University, and obtain a job in the field of Architectural Design. This would help me to achieve my goal in that it will help me showcase my skills in researching, and also I will be gaining valuable knowledge relevant to the future of green building design.
You're topic is very interesting and something that we would all like to be better informed on. I was just wondering if you knew anything about the waiting list for PV panels due to high demand. I seem to recall Dale saying last year in his lecture that there are huge waiting lists everywhere to purchase PV panels. How long would it take to purchase these panels and do you think there is going to be an increase in manufacturers due to the supply and demand of photovoltaics?
ReplyDeleteThanks Scotty :)
ReplyDeleteI don't know anything about waiting lists to get PV panels, but I think that would be a good thing to look into, and thank you for bringing it up. When I begin contacting suppliers I will definitely ask how long it takes to get them.
As far as supply and demand, if it is true that there are an increasing number of manufacturers then maybe that would help make the waiting period to get PV panels shorter. I think I will investigate to see if the number of manufacturers are increasing. Maybe Stats Canada would have that information?
Cheers,
Samantha
I have heard that there are now Nanotech Solar Cloth and Paint coming out that might be a cheaper and quicker way to cover a roof for solar collection. Imagine painting your roof and getting electricity as a result. Amazing!
ReplyDeleteHey Sam, The BCLC building has recently place PV panels on their roof downtown. They used a system that allows the panels to move and tilt so they are always facing the sun. I don't know if they are keeping track of any data but it might be something to look into.
ReplyDeleteI just did some browsing through the Stats Can website but failed to find any info on the waiting lists. The best way to find out would probably be to contact a manufacture and ask. If I get time I'll do that and get back to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments guys!
ReplyDeleteChris: I am more focussing my project with regards to placing PV panels on the sides of the building just to keep it narrowed down a bit. But I think that it would still be worth looking into. If you happen to come across info on it I would love to see it!
Keith: I knew they had PV panels on the BCLC building but it never even crossed my mind that they might be keeping a record of any information on it. I will definitely try to contact them and see if I can get anything. That's such a great idea, thank you.
Scotty: I talked to Dale about the waiting lists on the PV panels and he said they didn't have any troubles on the dream home, so I don't think it will be an issue anymore. But thank you so much for looking into it for me. I definitely appreciate it!
Thanks again!
~Samantha
hey sam,
ReplyDeleteyou should look at motherearthnews.com. I found some things on PV panels. Choosing a topic involving solar energy is a good idea, I don't think you will have a problem backing up your information.
Hey Sam
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good idea, there is a lot of wasted space on high rise buildings which would be perfect real estate for solar panels. The only problem i can see with replacing windows with them is that it would probably block the sun from the rooms. If you had panels which were transparent enough it would work fine, also they could be placed on rooms which dont require as much sunlight.
Hey Tony,
ReplyDeleteActually I wouldn't be replacing the windows with PV panels, but rather the spandrel glass in between the rows of windows. So it wouldn't be blocking any sun or views. Actually, by tilting them out a bit (to get better exposure to the sun) there could be some shade provided to the windows below, so it might be able to cut a/c costs as well.
I looked briefly to see if there was anything about solar panel windows, and I found some stuff in Europe. It's pretty cool the things they come up with, but to keep my topic narrowed I am concentrating on materials that are easier and more feasible to get. I might also look at incorporating bi-facial panels wherever possible as well, like on railings.
Thanks for the comment!
~Samantha
Samantha,
ReplyDeleteI know that in PV panel placement is very important when regarding energy harvesting, have you taken into account placing your PV panels 90 degrees like you would on a curtain wall. I think it would be more beneficial if you placed them on the correct angle for mass harvesting.
Hey Dillon,
ReplyDeleteI think the best and easiest way to orient them would be straight up and down in the curtain wall system, just like the spandrel glass would be placed because then you don't have to worry about exposing the insulation behind. But Dale suggested that there be reflectors of some sort below that would reflect the sun back up onto the panels.
Thanks for the post!
Samantha