Urban layout optimization framework to maximize direct solar irradiation.

The need to save energy at the urban level leads to study how numerical simulations and optimization methods can help the architects to design buildings and districts with the best possible energetic performances, regarding daylight, warming or cooling, and photovoltaic capabilities. This work presents a study of solar potential maximization over a district and its relation with urban shape. For this purpose, two geometrical models are proposed. The first one is derived from the literature and describes a grid of buildings in open area; the second one studies moderately dense urban configurations with a pre-existent urban-context. A clear sky model is considered to compute direct solar radiation and an evolutionary algorithm is used to optimize the shape and the distribution of buildings inside a fixed area. Results show some clues on the optimal distribution of buildings considering the total direct solar irradiation to be captured by an urban district for various densities and compare the solar potential at different latitudes between 40° and 60°N. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]