Integration of Solar Harvesting System Around Traditional Transportation Infrastructures in Dhaka

Abstract

As the world continues to grapple with the challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of traditional energy sources, the integration of photovoltaic (PV) panels with urban infrastructures has emerged as a promising solution. This integration involves incorporating solar panels into the design and functionality of buildings, roads, and other urban elements to harness the vast potential of solar energy. Such integration promotes sustainable development by reducing the carbon footprint of cities and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, it enhances energy security and resilience by diversifying energy sources and reducing vulnerability to power outages. In this thesis, feasibility of incorporating PV panels into several roadway infrastructures in Dhaka city was analyzed. Being close to the tropic of cancer, Dhaka city receives horizontal sunlight, which can maximize solar output. Also, as Dhaka city has highest energy demand in the country, producing the energy at the point of demand will result in lower transmission loss and lower cost for overall transmission infrastructures (example: reduced wiring length). Furthermore, as solar energy is emission-free, it will not add to the burden of the city’s already heavily polluted air. Three types of structures were chose for the analysis: foot over bridge, flyover and metro rail station. They are some of the most prominent types of roadway structures in Dhaka city, and they provide ample space for installing PV panels. Three software were used for the analysis: PVsyst 7.3, Google Earth Pro and Meteonorm 8.1. From the analysis, it is observed that PV panels installed on metro rail stations have the lowest energy loss among the three structures (6.8% overall system loss, vs 12.7% & 7.5% for the rest two) while panels installed on flyover return the capital within the least number of years (6.9 vs. 14.5 & 7.4). In both of the cases, foot over bridge performs worst. Hence, flyover and metro rail station both can be considered to install PV panels for satisfactory outcome