Evaluation of the Photovoltaic Potential of Campus Buildings at South China University of Technology

ZHANG Jiaxuan; WANG Jing

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1000-0232.2025.10.010

Abstract：Large-scale application of photovoltaics(PV)on university campuses is a crucial strategy for promoting green campus construction.However,current studies mostly focus on methods for calculating PV potential,neglecting to consider how campus spatial planning models,building functions,and energy consumption characteristics systematically affect the distribution of PV potential and absorption efficiency.A case study based on three typical campuses of the South China University of Technology(SCUT)was carried out.It systematically explored the distribution patterns of PV potential relative to different campus planning types,evaluated the matching relationship between power generation and energy consumption,and proposed optimization strategies for large-scale PV application based on spatial and functional adaptation.The study's aim is to promote the in-depth integration of PV technology with campus planning and provide theoretical and practical guidance for green campus construction. To facilitate the study,a PV potential assessment system was built with the Ladybug tool on the Grasshopper platform;the system is based on the current status of PV technology in China.First,a refined 3D model was constructed based on the Rhino platform which integrates geographic information,architectural drawings,and UAV(unmanned aerial vehicle)surveying and mapping data.The model accurately characterizes roof morphology and shading relationships.Second,solar radiation was simulated using the Environmental Analysis component in Ladybug,and the effective PV utilization area that meets regulatory requirements was statistically calculated.Subsequently,a PV array was designed and installed capacity and power generation were calculated using the Renewable component.Finally,the PV replacement rate and its monthly fluctuation characteristics were analyzed alongside the actual electricity consumption data of the campus.The factors influencing PV potential were systematically analyzed,and optimization paths were proposed from the perspectives of planning layout and building type. The research results show that campus planning types significantly affect the distribution and utilization efficiency of PV potential.As a historically decentralized campus,Wushan Campus is restricted by its style requirements and scattered layout.Its rooftop PV utilization rate ranges from 50％to 90％,and the replacement rate ranges from 8％to 44％,with an overall low level and significant differences across different campus buildings.Hence,a decentralized deployment strategy is suitable on Wushan Campus.By contrast,University Town Campus is a centralized cluster campus with flat and regular roofs.Its effective PV utilization rate reaches 71％,and the overall campus replacement rate reaches 29％,indicating that it meets the conditions needed for large-scale PV application.Finally,International Campus is a high-density block complex,where the utilization rate varies significantly among different blocks(ranging from 23％to 90％).Study results indicate that the PV application should be implemented in phases block by block. At the level of building types,teaching and administrative buildings have a relatively high rooftop utilization rate(70％to 80％)and the replacement rate ranges from 19％to 33％.These buildings should be prioritized for PV deployment.Dormitory buildings can supplement energy production by integrating facade PV technology.Due to high energy consumption and limited roof space,laboratory buildings generally have a replacement rate of less than 15％,and the study results indicate that microgrid technology should be integrated in these buildings at a later stage.In addition,PV replacement rates show obvious seasonal fluctuations:they are higher during winter and summer vacations,but lower during the summer electricity peak period.This reveals that the current system has not yet achieved full spatiotemporal matching between power generation and energy consumption. Based on the above findings,this research proposes that the large-scale application of PV on university campuses should be closely combined with spatial planning models and buildings' functional characteristics.It also proposes that differentiated deployment and phased construction strategies should be formulated.At the planning level,a decentralized layout should be adopted for older campuses,a comprehensive application for cluster campuses,and a unit-based implementation for high-density blocks.At the building level,PV deployment should be prioritized for teaching,cultural,and administrative buildings,then gradually extended to dormitories with the assistance of facade PV technology,and finally added in laboratory buildings through the integration of microgrids.Verifying the applicability of the Ladybug tool in campus PV assessments,the proposed system provides theoretical and practical guidance for installing PV technology at other southern Chinese universities with similar climates and spatial structures.Overall the study suggests that,in the future,the concept of building-integrated photovoltaics(BIPV)should be incorporated into campus planning at an early stage.It also suggests that the coordinated development of renewable energy and campus systems can be further advanced by optimizing spatial-energy consumption matching.