Energies (Jun 2023)

LCA and Scenario Analysis of Building Carbon Emission Reduction: The Influencing Factors of the Carbon Emission of a Photovoltaic Curtain Wall

  • Wenhan Fan,
  • Jiaqi Zhang,
  • Jianliang Zhou,
  • Chao Li,
  • Jinxin Hu,
  • Feixiang Hu,
  • Zhibo Nie

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/en16114501
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 11
p. 4501

Abstract

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The problem of global warming has become a major global concern, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate its effects. Photovoltaic power generation is clean, low-carbon energy. Photovoltaic products can convert solar energy into electricity, reducing CO2 emissions to an extent. This paper introduces the life cycle evaluation theory to assess the carbon emissions of photovoltaic curtain walls. PVsyst software allows for the simulation and calculation of power generation under different influencing factors, which provides valuable information about the carbon reduction potential of photovoltaic curtain walls. The evaluation of carbon emissions and their influencing factors using grey correlation analysis further enhances the understanding of the benefits and limitations of photovoltaic curtain walls. According to the results of grey correlation analysis, this paper concludes that the degree of various influencing factors on carbon emission of a photovoltaic curtain wall under different scenarios in descending order is as follows: orientation, location, inclination, shadow occlusion, and seasonal changes. The research findings of this paper provide a theoretical reference for the future development and application of photovoltaic curtain walls. By demonstrating the carbon reduction potential of this technology, this study contributes to promoting the adoption of photovoltaic curtain walls as a sustainable solution to mitigate the effects of global warming.

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