A Parametric Study on the Impact of Building Volume Extension on Potential for integrated solar energy utilization – A Case Study of Nanjing

Against the backdrop of global aging, the conflict between aging-friendly renovations and residential solar access has become increasingly prominent. This study examines the impact of elevator additions on solar radiation acquisition and solar access compliance in aging residential communities within the historic urban areas of Nanjing.

294 Three-dimensional models were developed in Rhino, and solar performance simulations were conducted using Grasshopper, Ladybug, and Honeybee to quantify variations in solar radiation and solar access compliance ratios. By systematically adjusting the placement and connection methods of newly added elevator volumes, simulations were performed on two distinct residential community typologies. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify optimal renovation strategies that minimize solar access reduction.

The results indicate that in parallel-type communities, decentralized elevator configurations lead to the smallest reductions in annual average solar radiation (8.8%), south-facing solar access compliance ratio (2%), and spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) (3.1%). In courtyard-type communities, a centralized elevator positioned on the western side has the least impact on overall solar energy potential, with reductions of 6.6% in annual average solar radiation, 3.9% in south-facing solar access compliance ratio, and 6% in sDA. This study provides a novel perspective on urban renewal, offering insights into sustainable renovation strategies that balance aging-friendly infrastructure with residential solar access.