Study on the optimal layout of roof vents and rooftop photovoltaic of the industrial workshop

Abstract

Roof vents are crucial for facilitating natural ventilation within industrial workshops. However, their substantial size and height can limit available roof space and create extensive shadow areas, thereby impeding the installation of photovoltaic (PV) systems on industrial roofs. This study quantitatively assesses the influence of roof vent positioning, morphology, and roof architecture on the natural ventilation efficiency of workshops with varying indoor heat sources. Subsequently, the study evaluates how different vent configurations affect the installable area for rooftop solar panels. Findings suggest that shifting from traditional roof ridge vents directly above a heat source to north-side vents inclined towards the roof can marginally decrease the ventilation flow rate by approximately 5%, translating to a minor temperature rise of around 0.46°C within the occupied zone. Nonetheless, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) thermal comfort indices remain consistent across scenarios. Notably, adopting north-side vents, either flush with the roof or inclined, can enhance the annual energy yield of the rooftop PV system by 15.49% and 22.67%, respectively, under equivalent solar irradiation. Thus, strategic adjustments to vent positioning, form, and roof design can substantially boost the photovoltaic system's power output without compromising the workshop's natural ventilation performance.