· SMART CITIES PROJECTS ·
A method to introduce universal accesibility in cities
RE - THINKING THE ENERGY
· SMART CITIES PROJECTS ·
S
olar panels is a method of generating electrical power by converting solar radiation. The increase of renewable energy sources de- • mand decline the production price. Public financial incentives supported PV installation. •
I. PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY FEATURES
The panel is composed by numerous cells that convert light into electricity. Solar photovoltaic capacity is typically under 25% and most parts of the solar module can be recycled including up to 95% of certain semiconductor materials. PV modules are composed by aluminium frame, silicone gasket, glass covering and cells. There are 3 types of silicon cells: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, armorphous. Photovoltaic energy recover the energy needed to manufacture them in 1 to 4 years. There are different types of installation: architectonic and non architectonic. The first one can be retrofitting (installations on existing buildings) or integrated installations (from the moment of designing the building, it is expected the integration of photovoltaic panel), while the non architectonic installation is build over earth (power station) and can be fixed or tracking system. The criteria sizing can be defined by energy criteria, economic criteria or space criteria.
cept for tracking systems, there are no moving mechanical parts Modularity allows considerable flexibility and adaptability Potential benefits may result from regional or state incentives
While the disadvantages are: • The initial investment is elevated • Problems related to the low performance of the panels (not working if panels are overheat) • The production phase has a negative environmental impact. • The impact on the landscape is another critical point during the design II. WHAT MAKES THE PROJECT SMART? Reinventing the technology, giving a new use, being efficient (time, environment,...), introducing ICTs, getting the greatest benefit at a minimum investment, considerating the environment & the economy. The implantation of a PV plant requires a high initial investment due to the individual owners (it is not as spread into the society as it should be), the necessity of putting batteries (needs a periodic maintenance) and the fee to sell electricity.
The advantages of this technology are: III. THE PROPOSAL • It is considered a clean energy with no CO2 emissions • It is a very reliable and durable system In order to introduce feasibility into the tradicional PV • Maintenance of the panels is not expensive since, ex- installations, community investment should be included,
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· SMART CITIES PROJECTS ·
avoiding batteries, connecting the system to the grid and It is estimated that the initial investment can be returned trying not to pour to the main grid in order to avoid pay in 10 months and the CO2 emissions made to produce the fees. artifact will be returned in 1 year and 1 month. It is important to have on mind 3 aspects on the feasibiliThe artifact proposed is a self-mount pack composed by ty of the installation: 10 PV panels, 1 inversor, 5 water tank, 5 water filter, stucture (panel suport) and 10 m2 of grass carpet. 1. Monetary This prototype is mounted over the house roof in order Minimum housing density per block: 10 houses. to get the maximum insolation efficiency, proximity to hotspot of consumption and to a distribution network 2. Energetic and control and security. Minimum Community Consumption of Energy: 288 Each pack has a power of 2.5 kWp, it’s 95% recyclable, is kWh/month/pack. outdoor proof. The pack has an impact on costumers bills, eliminating 3. Water water expenses and reducing electricity bill (40% saMinimum Community Consumption of Water (Comvings). munity Areas, Car Park, Garden): 1,800 l/month/pack.
render of the prototype
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