Development of a solar strategy for Helsingborgshem

Abstract

As of this moment humankind’s total energy use consists of 87% of non-renewable energy sources. The government of Sweden is aiming for 100% renewable energy system by the year of 2040. The city of Helsingborg is experiencing a solar panel expansion, the installed power increased with 139% from 2015 to 2016.

The overall aim of this master thesis was to create a solar strategy for the municipality owned real-estate company called Helsingborgshem. This strategy included a solar mapping of their soon to be renovated buildings, Life Cycle Costing, a gate-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment analysis and integration of photovoltaics. A solar map was created alongside with the categorization list taking into account the average solar irradiation of the studied roofs and the possibility of a solar system installation on the investigated buildings from a building permit point of view. Three buildings from different areas were picked out for a deeper investigation, where additional information was added in the 3D-modeling. Thereafter, the complete Photovoltaics system was designed and several cases were conducted. From the estimated hourly electricity usage data, three cases were considered, - the current case was based on the requirement of which facilities’ energy usage could be covered by Photovoltaics. Two other cases were assumed according to the future building renovation plans. An analysis of a battery implementation was performed for one of the investigated buildings but it was proven as not worth the investment due to the currently high price together with the need of a replacement after 15 years. Four different panels from China and Poland were compared and investigated for a Life Cycle Cost analysis and the most profitable result was established. In total 24 cases were considered for each of the three buildings. The result showed that the Chinese panel, Seraphim 320 W, have a higher total savings alongside with the shortest payback time. The result of the gate-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment showed the environmental impacts per kg panel of the transportation emissions from producer to end customer was 53 times smaller when transported from Poland in comparison to China. From a Life Cycle Assessment point of view and integration, the Polish panels were recommended for the implementation.

Popular Abstract

Due to the constant energy demand and increase in harmful emissions every year, EU directive requires to reduce both energy use and amount of emissions with 20% by 2020. As a consequence, more and more companies are looking into renewable energy sources and in this thesis the solar energy is presented, in particular photovoltaics (PV).
This master thesis was performed in collaboration with a real estate company in Helsingborg called Helsingborgshem, the purpose of which was to use more renewable energy sources. Another objective was to reduce the energy use of the facility electricity which amongst other included ventilation fans, elevators, general interior and exterior lighting. The study was performed for those buildings which are going to be renovated within the next 5-10 years. In total 89 addresses were included and an irradiation analysis was performed as a first step of this thesis. The categorization list was made in regards to both - most suitable roofs from irradiation point of view and also the building department permission on the PV installation from the municipality. Three buildings were selected for the deeper analysis with detailed 3D modeling.
The next step was to select the most profitable system design where three different sizes were considered, one being with full roof coverage, another covering the annual energy use and finally the system with 10% of overproduction. Hourly data was created due to the electricity meters only gave the monthly usage. For that, buildings’ equipment demand was considered with an estimated schedule. Thereafter, two future cases were considered due to the electricity usage increase after the buildings’ renovation which is followed by the installation of heat pumps and heat exchangers. The battery implementation for electricity storage was considered but due to the high price, degradation and the need of replacement, it was not profitable to install.
Three modules from China and one module from Poland were considered during this study in order to find the optimal solution from the most cost-effective, environment and integration points of view. The result of the profitability study showed that the system with the shortest payback time and biggest savings is the annual electricity use coverage design with the Chinese PVs.
The next step included a life cycle gate-to-gate assessment with transportation from the manufacturer to the costumer. Several routes as well as types of transportation were considered and the result showed that the polish panels are more environmentally friendly in this regards than the Chinese panels. A literature study was performed regarding the emissions from the manufacturing process and the conclusion was made that Chinese panels have less environmental impact than European ones. Also an alternative sea route for the Chinese panels were discussed.
After both life cycle cost and life cycle assessment studies were performed, a study about integration was performed with the black and blue panels considered. The possible roof material was selected and visualizations were made.
In conclusion, the solutions were found and two options were proposed to the company - the most profitable solution and most environmental friendly and integrated solution. The results of the study showed that the most profitable solution is not the most environmentally friendly as well as integrated and it is often difficult to achieve all three. The company is faced with the decision of performing the most cost-effective system or the system which has a low environmental impact and is the most integrated. This might be avoided in the future with the constant PV panels price drops, more strict rules in regards to environmental impact and clear legislations about PVs’ integration.

• author: Galimshina, Alina and Engström, Julia
• supervisor: Jouri Kanters
• organization: Division of Energy and Building Design
• alternative title: An analysis of Solar irradiation, Life Cycle Costing, Life Cycle Assessment and Integration of Photovoltaics on Roofs in Helsingborg
• course: AEBM01 20171
• year: 2017
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: Solar panels, PV-system, integration, Helsingborgshem, life cycle assessment analysis, life cycle cost analysis.
• publication/series: EEBD
• language: English
• id: 8916239
• date added to LUP: 2017-06-22 12:59:55
• date last changed: 2017-07-05 09:33:20