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Udovicic Davor_Thesis.pdf (5.2 MB)

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Retrofitting for a Biosolar Roof in Northeast Ohio using Modeling and Vegetative Field Studies

Udovicic, Davor
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1681929801769361

Abstract Details

2023, MS, Kent State University, College of Architecture and Environmental Design.
Biosolar roofing is an integrated roofing approach aimed to lower the 40% energy expenditure coming from the building sector. However, photovoltaic panel energy efficiency varies and panel arrangements creating sun and shade conditions will impact any existing plant community. For existing buildings, preparing for the replacement of a conventional roof or green roofs with a biosolar roofing system can offer a next generation energy solution if energy savings and vegetation opportunities can be projected. Studies have shown that photovoltaic panels increase electricity production by 2-6% due to cooling effects of evapotranspiration (Kaewpraek et al., 2021). In this study an existing semi-intensive sedum-based roof system is modelled for PV retrofit to determine beneficial synergies. This research uses a mixed methods approach of field gathered plant community data and computational analysis for energy modelling with BEM software Honeybee and EnergyPlus. The building was modeled and calibrated which showed that the green roof positively affects the building’s energy performance and that adding shading above the green roof would not negatively affect the energy performance. Through four scenarios to determine the relative maximum energy production when retrofitted with PV panels and found a 32.4% energy offset for the building. However, a method to examine the increase in PV panel output when combined with a green roof was not achieved. Modeling and simulations still do not meet field study values and need to be developed further for more practical use. The plant of sun and shade roofs were categorized under by high, medium, and low insolation levels in (kWh/m2/year). In relationship to the light levels, a sedum community is adapted with locally collected green roof shade plant data and augmented with secondary publications. Presented here are the outcomes from the field studies which showed that height is not a great indicator of difference between the two plant communities due to the presence of volunteer species. However, the planted species of each community do have a difference and can be used for determining plant selection. Species richness is also a good characteristic that can describe the distinctions between the sites. From the existing plants found, 59% of the species would be able to adjust to biosolar applications. The outcome of this study will result in better practices for biosolar roof retrofitting for photovoltaic systems and plant selection guidelines in northeast Ohio.
Reid Coffman (Advisor)
Nick Safley (Committee Member)
Luis Santos (Committee Member)
96 p.
Architectural; Architecture; Conservation; Design; Energy; Environmental Science; Landscape Architecture; Plant Sciences; Sustainability
biosolar, retrofit, roof, green roof, modeling

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Udovicic, D. (2023). Retrofitting for a Biosolar Roof in Northeast Ohio using Modeling and Vegetative Field Studies [Master's thesis, Kent State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1681929801769361

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Udovicic, Davor. Retrofitting for a Biosolar Roof in Northeast Ohio using Modeling and Vegetative Field Studies. 2023. Kent State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1681929801769361.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Udovicic, Davor. "Retrofitting for a Biosolar Roof in Northeast Ohio using Modeling and Vegetative Field Studies." Master's thesis, Kent State University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=kent1681929801769361

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

kent1681929801769361
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Kent State University and OhioLINK.