GIS-BASED SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POTENTIAL MODELLING IN THE URBAN AREA

Rochamukti RIZCANOFANA

Master's thesis

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on using a GIS-based approach to model solar PV potential in the urban area. The first stage of the thesis elaborates the literature review on the related topic to identify the most efficient GIS-based algorithm for calculating solar radiation, as it is one of the essential components in estimating the solar PV potential. Based on the literature review, the r.sun module was selected as the model algorithm. Morumbi district in S?o Paulo, Brazil, was chosen as the study area due to its data abundance, which can be accessed via the open data portal of S?o Paulo city (Geosampa). Furthermore, it deals with LiDAR point cloud data as the topographical data input, as well as atmospheric parameters and the modelling process to obtain solar radiation values in the study area. The later stage highlights the visualization workflow in designing a back-end and frontend environment of a web-map application containing the information of the rooftop solar PV potential in the study area. Additionally, a simple CityGML document is generated to store the information obtained by the modelling process in 3D. The result includes the amount of solar energy yield within a year as well as additional attributes such as the PV capacity, installation cost and CO2 emission savings, which then visualized within an integrated spatial data infrastructure. In summary, the entire modelling workflow can be applied to solve a similar task in other study areas. It is expected that the result of this thesis could become guidance for the government, citizens, energy planners and solar energy engineers to evaluate the potential of solar energy within an urban area.

Abstract:

This thesis focuses on using a GIS-based approach to model solar PV potential in the urban area. The first stage of the thesis elaborates the literature review on the related topic to identify the most efficient GIS-based algorithm for calculating solar radiation, as it is one of the essential components in estimating the solar PV potential. Based on the literature review, the r.sun module was selected as the model algorithm. Morumbi district in S?o Paulo, Brazil, was chosen as the study area due to its data abundance, which can be accessed via the open data portal of S?o Paulo city (Geosampa). Furthermore, it deals with LiDAR point cloud data as the topographical data input, as well as atmospheric parameters and the modelling process to obtain solar radiation values in the study area. The later stage highlights the visualization workflow in designing a back-end and frontend environment of a web-map application containing the information of the rooftop solar PV potential in the study area. Additionally, a simple CityGML document is generated to store the information obtained by the modelling process in 3D. The result includes the amount of solar energy yield within a year as well as additional attributes such as the PV capacity, installation cost and CO2 emission savings, which then visualized within an integrated spatial data infrastructure. In summary, the entire modelling workflow can be applied to solve a similar task in other study areas. It is expected that the result of this thesis could become guidance for the government, citizens, energy planners and solar energy engineers to evaluate the potential of solar energy within an urban area.

Keywords

Solar photovoltaic, solar radiation, LiDAR, GIS, urban, sustainability

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 20. 5. 2021

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: RNDr. Jan Brus, Ph.D.

Palacký University Olomouc

Faculty of Science

Master programme / field:
Geoinformatics and Cartography / Geoinformatics and Cartography