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

Abel Tablada, Vesna Kosorić, Huajing Huang, Ian Kevin Chaplin, Siu-Kit Lau, Chao Yuan and Stephen Siu-Yu Lau
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Abel Tablada: Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore
Vesna Kosorić: Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117566, Singapore
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

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 10, 1-24

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.

Keywords: building-integrated photovoltaics; vertical farming; shading devices; design optimisation; low-carbon architecture; multi-criteria decision assessment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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