https://www.mdu.se/

Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) offer a dual advantage of reducing traffic noise pollution and providing renewable electricity to cities. However, how the effective integration of PVNB-generated power into urban energy networks remains a critical area lacking research. To bridge this gap, this study proposes PVNBs-energy storage (ES)-charging station (CS; PVNBs-ES-CS) strategy. It can facilitate the actual consumption of PVNBs power and the mitigation the burden on the grid posed by electric vehicles (EVs) charging demands. The case study conducted in Guangzhou, China, reveals that PVNBs can support up to 5% of the total power demand for EVCSs. Under the PVNBs power maximization consumption scenario, PVNBs can meet up to 30% of the power demands from 60 EVCSs, with 58% of PVNBs generated power being consumed. In the PVNBs-ES-CS future utilization scenario, up to 30% of the power demand of 125 EVCSs can be met, and 36% of the power of PVNBs can be consumed. The combination of PVNBs and EVCSs offers a practical solution for incorporating renewable energy sources into urban energy networks. This application mode can be applied in various cities with EV demands and PVNB power generation data.

Photovoltaic noise barriers (PVNBs) have the potential to contribute to sustainable urban development by increasing the supply of renewable energy to cities while decreasing traffic noise pollution. However, estimating the power generation of PVNBs at the city or national scale remains a challenge due to the complexities of the urban environment and the difficulties associated with collecting data on road noise barriers (RNBs) and radiation. This study used RNBs, 2.5-dimensional (2.5D) buildings, and hourly time resolution radiation data, to estimate the power generation of PVNBs in 52 of China's major cities. First, hourly building shadows were estimated for each day of the year, covering the period from sunrise to sunset, to identify areas of RNB that are shaded at any given time. Second, hourly clear-sky radiation data were collected and corrected using a radiation correction model to simulate real weather radiation. Finally, utilizing an inclined surface radiation estimation model, the photovoltaic (PV) potential both inside and outside RNBs affected by building shadows was assessed. Subsequently, the power generation of PVNB was estimated based on parameters of mainstream PV systems in the market. The results show that the RNB mileage in 52 selected cities represents 87.7% of China's total RNB mileage. Building shadows often result in a radiation loss of approximately 30% for RNBs reception. The installed capacity and annual power generation of PVNBs in all investigated cities are 2.04 GW and 690.74 GWh, respectively. This study estimates the comprehensive PV potential of potentially exploitable PVNBs in China, offering essential scientific insights to inform and facilitate the strategic development of PVNB projects at both the national and municipal levels.

Installing photovoltaic (PV) modules on highways is considered a promising way to support carbon neutrality in China. However, collecting the area of the highway, and precisely assessing the shadow area of the highway under complex terrain remain challenges. That severely hinders the assessment of highway PV potential. To address these challenges, a spatiotemporal model is developed in this study to estimate the annual solar PV potential on highways over the whole Chinese territory. First, the areas of different highway segments are calculated based on highway network and highway toll stations. Second, hourly shadow area on highways created by nearby terrain is estimated based on a digital elevation model (DEM). When calculating the highway PV potential, the solar irradiation received in these shadow areas is regarded as zero. Finally, the PV potential of all lanes and emergency lanes was estimated at the prefecture-level city scale using surface radiation data and radiation assessment models. Based on the highway data with a total mileage of 143,684 km at the end of 2020, the results show that the annual PV potential is 3,932 TW and that the corresponding installed capacity is 700.85 GW, which can generate clean electricity at a rate of up to 629.06 TWh. The annual PV potential of highways in the southeast is greater than that in the northwest owing to the higher highway density in the southeast. This study provides a reference basis for highway PV construction planning and suitably assessment in each region of China for PV highway development.