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A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2045-1656
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7955-7271
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9137-6948
Abstract In urban spaces, localised energy generation through rooftop solar has become increasingly popular, and green roofs are often used for a range of services such as thermal insulation. In recent years, the adoption of Bio-solar green roofs (BSGR) for both thermal insulation and increased solar energy outputs has increased. Here we present two buildings of the same dimensions and location, similar age and construction material, where one hosts a BSGR, and the other a conventional solar roof (CSR) in Sydney, Australia. Each solar array hosted a range of environmental sensors, including ambient temperature and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The modelled BSGR average hourly energy output was 4.5% higher than the CSR (seasonal trends observed Spring; 4.14%, Summer; 4.16%, and Autumn; 5.21%) with BSGR producing 14.26 MWh more than the CSR, valued at $4526.22 AUD, and equal to 11.55 t e-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation. Further potential for up to 1.55 t of CO2 could be mitigated by the plant material on the roof, provided the trimming of plant material during maintenance is conducted responsibly. In this instance, the implementation of a BSGR increased the system's solar output by 23.88 kWh per m2 of panel coverage, as well as reducing the e-CO2 emissions by 0.019 t per m2 over the CSR. When compared to the results of previously reported pilot studies and some simulations, it is evident that the implementation of a BSGR is favourable for maximising energy production and the mitigation of GHGs.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Average BSGR output 4.5% higher than CSR output across all seasons. Average BSGR output (kWh) was 4.14, 4.16 and 5.21% higher than CSR for Spring, Summer and Autumn. BSGR produced 14.26 MWh more than conventional solar, valued at $4526.22 AUD. BSGR reduced 11.55 t e-CO2 more than CSR. Up to 1.56 t CO2 was removed by plant biomass. BSGR produced 23.88 kWh and reduced 0.019 t e-CO2 emissions per m2 of panel coverage more than CSR.
Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2045-1656
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7955-7271
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9137-6948
Abstract In urban spaces, localised energy generation through rooftop solar has become increasingly popular, and green roofs are often used for a range of services such as thermal insulation. In recent years, the adoption of Bio-solar green roofs (BSGR) for both thermal insulation and increased solar energy outputs has increased. Here we present two buildings of the same dimensions and location, similar age and construction material, where one hosts a BSGR, and the other a conventional solar roof (CSR) in Sydney, Australia. Each solar array hosted a range of environmental sensors, including ambient temperature and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The modelled BSGR average hourly energy output was 4.5% higher than the CSR (seasonal trends observed Spring; 4.14%, Summer; 4.16%, and Autumn; 5.21%) with BSGR producing 14.26 MWh more than the CSR, valued at $4526.22 AUD, and equal to 11.55 t e-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation. Further potential for up to 1.55 t of CO2 could be mitigated by the plant material on the roof, provided the trimming of plant material during maintenance is conducted responsibly. In this instance, the implementation of a BSGR increased the system's solar output by 23.88 kWh per m2 of panel coverage, as well as reducing the e-CO2 emissions by 0.019 t per m2 over the CSR. When compared to the results of previously reported pilot studies and some simulations, it is evident that the implementation of a BSGR is favourable for maximising energy production and the mitigation of GHGs.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Average BSGR output 4.5% higher than CSR output across all seasons. Average BSGR output (kWh) was 4.14, 4.16 and 5.21% higher than CSR for Spring, Summer and Autumn. BSGR produced 14.26 MWh more than conventional solar, valued at $4526.22 AUD. BSGR reduced 11.55 t e-CO2 more than CSR. Up to 1.56 t CO2 was removed by plant biomass. BSGR produced 23.88 kWh and reduced 0.019 t e-CO2 emissions per m2 of panel coverage more than CSR.
Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2045-1656
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7955-7271
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9137-6948
Abstract In urban spaces, localised energy generation through rooftop solar has become increasingly popular, and green roofs are often used for a range of services such as thermal insulation. In recent years, the adoption of Bio-solar green roofs (BSGR) for both thermal insulation and increased solar energy outputs has increased. Here we present two buildings of the same dimensions and location, similar age and construction material, where one hosts a BSGR, and the other a conventional solar roof (CSR) in Sydney, Australia. Each solar array hosted a range of environmental sensors, including ambient temperature and global horizontal irradiance (GHI). The modelled BSGR average hourly energy output was 4.5% higher than the CSR (seasonal trends observed Spring; 4.14%, Summer; 4.16%, and Autumn; 5.21%) with BSGR producing 14.26 MWh more than the CSR, valued at $4526.22 AUD, and equal to 11.55 t e-CO2 greenhouse gas mitigation. Further potential for up to 1.55 t of CO2 could be mitigated by the plant material on the roof, provided the trimming of plant material during maintenance is conducted responsibly. In this instance, the implementation of a BSGR increased the system's solar output by 23.88 kWh per m2 of panel coverage, as well as reducing the e-CO2 emissions by 0.019 t per m2 over the CSR. When compared to the results of previously reported pilot studies and some simulations, it is evident that the implementation of a BSGR is favourable for maximising energy production and the mitigation of GHGs.
Graphical abstract Display Omitted
Highlights Average BSGR output 4.5% higher than CSR output across all seasons. Average BSGR output (kWh) was 4.14, 4.16 and 5.21% higher than CSR for Spring, Summer and Autumn. BSGR produced 14.26 MWh more than conventional solar, valued at $4526.22 AUD. BSGR reduced 11.55 t e-CO2 more than CSR. Up to 1.56 t CO2 was removed by plant biomass. BSGR produced 23.88 kWh and reduced 0.019 t e-CO2 emissions per m2 of panel coverage more than CSR.
Bio-solar green roofs increase solar energy output: The sunny side of integrating sustainable technologies
Fleck, R. (author) / Gill, R. (author) / Pettit, T.J. (author) / Torpy, F.R. (author) / Irga, P.J. (author)
Building and Environment ; 226
2022-10-10
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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