Estimating solar potential in envolving low- density urban áreas

ARBOIT, MARIELA

Torino

Workshop; Building physics in urban environments; 2015

Many studies have evaluated the interrelationship between urban form and energy use. Energy consumption in urban environments can roughly be divided in two main sectors: transportation and buildings. Energy consumption related to transportation is influenced by the urban form at the macro-scale, such as the city´s inner functions and regional links. Energy consumption related to buildings is influenced by the adequate design and technology. Design and technology can substantially reduce the energy demand for space and water heating and electric consume in urban buildings. The solar access in the built environment is globally recognized as a key issue for sustainable urban development. The solar potential of the urban environment is mainly dependent on the conditions of urban climate and the micro-scale of the city´s inner structure, mainly the configuration of neighbourhoods, urban spaces, morphology (design) and materials (technology). While building technology has provided significant and well known contributions to energy conservation, progress in urban morphology has been more complex, limited and conflictive. Urban and building morphological alternatives are required to minimize energy waste and maximize the potential use of renewable energies, namely, solar radiation in urban buildings.