The Impact of Urban Design on the Realization of the Zero Energy Building Target Through On-site Energy Production: a Case Study

• Published in: Current sustainable/renewable energy reports. 2017-06, Vol.4 (2), p.72-86
• Main Authors: Pyrilli, Despo, Savvides, Andreas L., Fokaides, Paris A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Building Sustainability (N Nord; Case studies; Cities; Design; Economics and Management; Energy; Energy Policy; Energy Storage; Energy technology; Environmental Science and Engineering; Green buildings; Incident radiation; Information technology; Irradiance; Optimization; Renewable and Green Energy; Renewable energy technologies; Renewable resources; Section Editor; Smart cities; Solar energy; Solar generators; Topical Collection on Building Sustainability; Urban planning
• ISSN: 2196-3010; 2196-3010
• DOI: 10.1007/s40518-017-0072-6

Purpose of Review The concept of the smart city goes beyond the employment of advanced information and communication technologies (ICT) for better resource use as it also includes smarter and more efficient ways to heat and power buildings. The implementation of on-site renewable energy technologies, as well as the exploitation of the solar global irradiance for buildings passive heating, is a key element in the urban design of smart cities. This study aims to present an urban design concept for smart cities, which puts the spotlight on the optimal solar exposure of buildings, which will allow the maximization of smart building solar energy profit. Recent Findings The physics of the methodology of the proposed design concept, which is based on well-established principles of solar geometry, is presented. A case study concerning the incident radiation of alternative designs of equivalent built area within a 5000 m 2 urban block is presented and discussed. Summary This study aspires to influence the discussion for the development of urban block design procedures in smart cities.