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Design Optimization of Productive Façades: Integrating Photovoltaic and Farming Systems at the Tropical Technologies Laboratory

Author

Listed:
  • Abel Tablada

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Vesna Kosorić

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore
    BauLab GmbH, 4656 Starrkirch-Wil, Switzerland)

  • Huajing Huang

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Ian Kevin Chaplin

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Siu-Kit Lau

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Chao Yuan

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

  • Stephen Siu-Yu Lau

    (Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore)

Abstract

Singapore’s high dependence on imported energy and food resources, and the lack of available land requires an efficient use of the built environment in order to increase energy and food autonomy. This paper proposes the concept of a productive façade (PF) system that integrates photovoltaic (PV) modules as shading devices as well as farming planters. It also outlines the design optimization process for eight PF prototypes comprising two categories of PF systems: Window façade and balcony façade, for four orientations. Five criteria functions describing the potential energy and food production as well as indoor visual and thermal performance were assessed by a parametric modelling tool. Optimal PF prototypes were subsequently obtained through the VIKOR optimization method, which selects the optimal design variants by compromising between the five criteria functions. East and West-facing façades require greater solar protection, and most façades require high-tilt angles on their shading PV panels. The optimal arrangement for vegetable planters involves two planters located relatively low with regard to the railing or window sill. Finally, the optimal façade designs were adjusted according to the availability of resources and the conditions and context of the Tropical Technologies Laboratory (T 2 Lab) in Singapore where they are installed.

Suggested Citation

  • Abel Tablada & Vesna Kosorić & Huajing Huang & Ian Kevin Chaplin & Siu-Kit Lau & Chao Yuan & Stephen Siu-Yu Lau, 2018. "Design Optimization of Productive Façades: Integrating Photovoltaic and Farming Systems at the Tropical Technologies Laboratory," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(10), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:10:y:2018:i:10:p:3762-:d:176630
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Kosorić, Vesna & Huang, Huajing & Tablada, Abel & Lau, Siu-Kit & Tan, Hugh T.W., 2019. "Survey on the social acceptance of the productive façade concept integrating photovoltaic and farming systems in high-rise public housing blocks in Singapore," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 111(C), pages 197-214.
    2. Iyad Ghazal & Reema Mansour & Marie Davidová, 2023. "AGRI|gen: Analysis and Design of a Parametric Modular System for Vertical Urban Agriculture," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-38, March.
    3. John Emmanuel Ogbeba & Ercan Hoskara, 2019. "The Evaluation of Single-Family Detached Housing Units in terms of Integrated Photovoltaic Shading Devices: The Case of Northern Cyprus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-19, January.
    4. Tianyi Chen & Yaning An & Chye Kiang Heng, 2022. "A Review of Building-Integrated Photovoltaics in Singapore: Status, Barriers, and Prospects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-25, August.
    5. Siu-Kit Lau & Vesna Kosorić & Monika Bieri & André.M. Nobre, 2021. "Identification of Factors Influencing Development of Photovoltaic (PV) Implementation in Singapore," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-30, March.
    6. Vesna Kosorić & Siu-Kit Lau & Abel Tablada & Monika Bieri & André M. Nobre, 2021. "A Holistic Strategy for Successful Photovoltaic (PV) Implementation into Singapore’s Built Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-35, June.

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