Parametric study of URBAN morphology on building solar energy potential in Singapore context

Abstract

In 2014, the Singapore government announced plans to increase the adoption of solar power, including by integrating solar PV systems into the urban environment. Careful planning of a neighbourhood at early design stage, which determines the overall urban morphology, is important for effective deployment of solar panels in urban environment. This study performed parametric assessment to understand the relationship between urban morphology and the annual average irradiance on rooftop and façade in Singapore context. It also compares the correlation performance of building irradiance with the two definitions of Sky View Factor (SVF). Among the 10 selected morphology parameters, the correlation analysis shows the correlation performances of both definitions of SVF are the strongest ( r = 0.94 to 1). As obtaining the value of SVF is not simple, two multilinear regression predictive models for rooftop and façade irradiance are developed. There is a significant improvement in adjusted R 2 of the rooftop irradiance model (R 2 = 0.61) when comparing the R 2 of other individual parameters (R 2 = 0 to 0.36). It is anticipated that the results of this study 1) would be useful for urban planners considering urban PV integration for sustainable cities; and 2) can provide a simpler way to give a rough estimation of SVF, which is commonly used for the parametric studies related to research areas such as urban microclimate and urban renewable energy utilization. • Among the 10 morphology parameters examined, SEF and SVF have the strongest correlation with building rooftop and façade irradiance. • Apart from the sky exposure performance indicators, H/W ratio is a reasonably reliable indicator for façade irradiance performance.