The document discusses the potential for a residential block in Singapore to be powered entirely by photovoltaic (PV) solar energy. It finds that a typical block uses around 634.8 MWh of electricity per year, which could be generated by covering the block in PV panels. A canopy of solar panels above the block could generate over 8,000 MWh per year from both vertical and horizontal surfaces, far exceeding the block's energy needs. This "Solar Sky Farming" concept could harness wasted space to generate clean energy while also cooling homes and improving social connectivity within the community.
2. Why switching to renewable energy + Further population increase may lead to energy crisis Higher energy usage compared to the world recap
3. Why solar energy source in Singapore? Limit of 21.6 16MW 46MW 80MW 56MW recap Wind Geothermal Hydroelectric Biomass Solar Insufficient mean wind speed of 2m/s or 7.2km/hr Need an average of 6m/s or 21.6km/hr wind speed to harness wind power Only possible in Tekong and Sembawang hot springs at 70C Fairly flat. Need a large amount of water and height difference between stored water and turbine plant Displacement of wildlife and population Mostly for industrial uses like the incineration Plants. Mainly Wood, horticultural, food waste and waste paper Abundant tropical solar energy Further improvement in efficiency
4. Trends of Energy Consumption Energy Design for tommorrow: Klaus Daniels, Ralf E Hammann recap
5. Can a residential block be powered by 100% PV? Energy losses 1m 1m 1m Vertical Surface : 100 kW/m2/yr Horizontal Surface: 250 kW/m2/yr 1.7MW recap
6. Can a residential block be powered by 100% PV? Household Electricity Consumption 407 kwh/household/month 4.8MWh/household/yr 4.8MWh x 120household = 576MWh/building/yr Total Consumption = household + public services = 576MWh + 58.8 MWh = 634.8 MWh/building/yr Single block Mar10 to Aug10 (SP Services) Premise Type Energy Consumption (kwh) Average Area (m2) kwh/m2.yr HDB 1 Room 122 HDB 2 Room 181 45 48.3 HDB 3 Room 294 67 52.7 HDB 4 Room 407 94.5 51.7 HDB 5 Room 475 114.5 49.8 Excutive 575 148 46.6 Apartment 717 160 53.8 Terrace 980 Semi D 1281 Bungalow 2491 Residential High-rise Average: 50.5 Public Services Daily Consumption (kWh) Lift 40 Pump 11 Booster Pump 14 Lighting 81 Other 15 Total 161 NEA,2004
7. Can a residential block be powered by 100% PV? Taking dimensions from existing residential blocks of 120 units Assuming 40% fenestration Assuming 3m floor to floor height Assuming PV produce 100 and 250kw/m2/yr for horizontal and vertical surfaces respectively Possible Energy Production by PV envelope Energy usage of typical block 634.8MWh/yr Single block
8. concept Solar Sky Farming Residential community benefit with solar canopy Strategies Maximizing potential wasted spaces to: 1. harness renewable energy 2. cool residential environment 3. improve community connectivity objective Improved sustainable urbanscape
10. Potential of solar energy at precinct level Predicted energy usage by Treelodge estate : 3305.5 + (58.8 x 7) = 3717.1MWh/year precinct
11. Solar energy production from envelope system Assuming 40% fenestration Assuming 3m floor to floor height Assuming PV produce 100 and 250kw/m2/yr for horizontal and vertical surfaces respectively precinct Potential Energy 7617.MWh/yr 109378
12. Solar energy production from wasted spaces precinct Negative spaces 7042MWh/yr Livable space (roof) 1388MWh/yr Total Potential Energy 8430MWh/yr PV Canopy above residents potential negative space Livable space 5552m 2 28170.6m 2
17. concept Solar Sky Farming Residential community benefit with solar canopy Strategies Maximizing potential wasted spaces to: 1. harness renewable energy 2. cool residential environment 3. improve community connectivity objective Improved sustainable urbanscape
18. strategies active Create a high rise Sky Solar Farm passive Manage wasted residential spaces to be sustainable social improve the connectivity and conditions for the eco-community
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20. massing Bridging Stream lining Expansion Combination Various forms of sky connections Further comprehensive analysis by ecotect and radiance 25000m2 canopy 6250MWh/yr (optimum) 2 times energy needed for typical precinct precinct
21. Potential spaces for solar sky farming residence residence waterway Section A-A A A Site plan Not within floodplain No obstructions
22. Potential improvements (canopy porosity) Porous light shafts to ensure light penetration 32000-130000lux Cool spaces under canopy 1000-5000lux Canopy porosity
25. Light pollution Artificial light reflected downwards when the PV cells inverted at night Carrizo Energy Solar Farm
26. Great Erget Blue-Tailed Bee-eater Common Redshank Longtailed Shrike Birds in My Backyard — Punggol 21 Reproduced with permission from James Wong Nature Photography Society
