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Photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs) combine solar shading and electricity generation on building façades, thereby harnessing solar energy. In high-rise buildings, rooftop solar panels typically yield limited amounts of electricity relative to the energy demand of the building. Consequently, integrating PVSDs is crucial for advancing net zero-energy building initiatives. However, PVSDs may obstruct natural light penetration into indoor spaces, diminishing daylight utilization and potentially increasing lighting energy consumption. Moreover, they may compromise the visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. Therefore, designing PVSDs that balance energy generation, daylight utilization, and outdoor visibility is imperative. This study aimed to optimize the shape of PVSDs to effectively achieve these objectives. Specifically, the investigation focused on a PVSD composed of flexible solar panels integrated with curved louvers. The methodology employed involved multi-objective optimization utilizing parametric studies and environmental simulations. Initially, three-dimensional computer-aided design models of PVSDs with varying shapes were generated by manipulating numerical parameters. Subsequently, key performance indicators, such as panel surface solar irradiation (IPV), continuous daylight autonomy (cDA), and visibility percentage (VP), were computed. Multi-objective optimization was then conducted utilizing the NSGA-II genetic algorithm. Through iterative adjustments of the input parameters, the optimal PVSD shape maximizing IPV, cDA, and VP were identified. The computational results showed that solar louvers with semi-circular top and rectangular bottom shapes offer the optimal configuration. Additionally, energy consumption analyses were performed for 10 Pareto solutions derived from the final generation. The finding indicated that solutions prioritizing IPV maximization resulted in the lowest energy consumption during building operation. This study provides valuable insight into the implementation of PVSDs in building applications and serves as a foundation for future design endeavors.
Ito et al. (Sat,) studied this question.