An approach to the design of photovoltaic noise barriers and a case study from Istanbul, Turkey.

Ferhan Hasmaden,Gülay Zorer Gedik,Neşe Yüğrük Akdağ

doi:10.1007/s11356-022-18625-0

Ferhan Hasmaden, Gülay Zorer Gedik + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-18625-0

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Abstract

Solar energy solutions that do not require additional space are critical. Noise barriers, which are built in low-value lands next to noise sources, provide effective areas for PV modules. There are many studies on using noise barriers as a sub-structure for photovoltaic systems, providing electricity generation besides noise reduction targets. Photovoltaic noise barrier (PVNB) technology combines noise control measures with renewable energy generation. In this study, it is aimed to develop an integrated design method that embeds solar energy technology in noise protection structures. The method is exemplified in an existing settlement located on the side of the road with heavy traffic. According to local climate and solar data, optimum tilt angles have been determined for annual, semi-annual, seasonal, and monthly periods. Noise barrier alternatives are derived with combinations of different diffraction edge sizes of barrier top and determined optimum inclination angles. The performance of the criteria that affect the PVNB effectiveness for alternatives was calculated through software tools. The energy generation potential of PVNB and its shading in adjacent blocks were calculated with PVsyst 6.7.7. The noise control efficiency of the structure was computed via SoundPLAN 7.2. TOPSIS method, one of the most common multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques, was used in the evaluation. As a result of TOPSIS, the best PVNB solution in the case study is the alternative that has 3-m and 2-m-wide edges and 58° and 31° tilted edges. In comparison with the current situation, the selected alternative will decrease 44% of the number of receiving points affected by noise and provide 524,804 kWh annual electricity generation.

Highlights

The significant positive impact on carbon dioxide emissions has been supported by empirical studies that shape the energy matrix of the world with renewable energy sources. (Acheampong, Adams, and Boateng 2019; Al-Mulali, Saboori, and Ozturk 2015; Apergis et al 2010; Inglesi-Lotz and Dogan 2018; Khoshnevis Yazdi and Ghorchi Beygi 2018)
'Electricity generation' criterion expresses the amount of annual energy production from the photovoltaic system and high production increase the performance of the barrier
The inspiration for the study is the use of noise barriers that protect road adjacent settlements from traffic noise, as a sub-structure for photovoltaic modules

Summary

Introduction

The significant positive impact on carbon dioxide emissions has been supported by empirical studies that shape the energy matrix of the world with renewable energy sources. (Acheampong, Adams, and Boateng 2019; Al-Mulali, Saboori, and Ozturk 2015; Apergis et al 2010; Inglesi-Lotz and Dogan 2018; Khoshnevis Yazdi and Ghorchi Beygi 2018). The need for large areas of land in the supply of solar energy creates a disadvantage for this technology (Calvert and Mabee 2015; Dijkman and Benders 2010; Graebig, Bringezu, and Fenner 2010; Nonhebel 2005; Rathmann, Szklo, and Schaeffer 2010). As an example of these solutions; hybrid systems where photovoltaic systems are applied with different renewable energy technologies on mutual land (Calvert and Mabee 2015; Li, Stadler, and Ramakumar 2011; Nema, Nema, and Rangnekar 2009; Shafiullah et al 2012), building integrated photovoltaic systems (Biyik et al 2017; Jelle, Breivik, and Drolsum Røkenes 2012; Peng, Huang, and Wu 2011), agrovoltaic systems (Dupraz et al 2011), PV systems on low-value lands like brownfields (Denholm and Margolis 2008). Photovoltaic system solutions that don't require additional space by integrating noise barriers ensure the double use of land resources (Nordmann and Clavadetscher 2004)

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