THE STUDY OF VERTICAL BIFACIAL PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEMS IN URBAN TRANSPORT

Abstract

The global warming situation has worsened due to the increase in demand for energy which leads to an increase in carbon emissions. To reduce the negative effects of global warming, many countries have been doing its part in reducing its carbon emissions. Singapore is no exception and has been trying to decrease her reliance on natural gases and use renewable energy instead. Singapore aims to achieve a total of 2 GigaWatt-peak (GWp) of solar energy to generate enough power for an estimated 350,000 households by 2030.

To aid Singapore in reaching her goal, this paper will study the possibility of deploying vertical bifacial Photovoltaic modules installed along the tracks of the Mass Rapid Transit transport system by carrying out a simulation of solar energy generation for a year across 4 sites. The simulation software used for this study is SketchUp 2018 and Skelion 5.2.6, to build up the environment of these chosen sites into 3 Dimensional models and using the data specification of chosen PV modules and the Sun’s path to determine the amount of energy being produced at each targeted location.

The results of the simulation show that the Mass Rapid Transit tracks were able to provide a feasible platform for the placement of Photovoltaic modules to increase the production of solar energy. Through the simulation, the results are largely positive for the sites that are in a favourable orientation to generate solar energy throughout the day. The sites that were at a disadvantageous location had lower performance, but nonetheless was able to contribute to the generation of solar energy.