Energy Management in Office Buildings to Achieve Carbon Neutrality In Bang Rak Phatthana Municipality

Abstract

            This research aimed to (1) simulate solar photovoltaic electricity generation systems for office buildings and multipurpose dome buildings and analyze carbon dioxide emissions reduction, and (2) evaluate the costs and financial returns of installing solar PV systems in Bang Rak Phatthana Municipality, Nonthaburi Province. The study utilized PVsyst software version 7.3.1 to simulate both grid-connected and off-grid solar photovoltaic systems. The study examined three distinct systems: a grid-connected system for the office building utilizing 234 solar panels with a total capacity of 143 kWp, a grid-connected system for the multipurpose dome building employing 450 solar panels with a combined capacity of 275 kWp, and an off-grid system for the multipurpose dome building using 540 solar panels with a total capacity of 329 kWp. The research findings demonstrated that the grid-connected system for the office building achieved an annual energy production of 206,209 kWh with a performance ratio of 84.19%. The grid-connected system for the multipurpose dome building generated 383,381 kWh annually with a performance ratio of 81.39%. The off-grid system produced 457,593 kWh per year with a performance ratio of 80.95%. Economic analysis revealed that the grid-connected system for the multipurpose dome building exhibited the highest economic viability with an internal rate of return of 10.99% and a payback period of 7 years and 3 months. From an environmental perspective, the off-grid system demonstrated the greatest potential for greenhouse gas emission reduction, achieving 273.91 tCO₂e/year. The study concludes that the grid-connected system for the multipurpose dome building represents the optimal solution in terms of economic feasibility, while all systems contribute significantly to achieving carbon neutrality objectives. These findings provide valuable insights for sustainable energy development strategies in municipal government buildings and demonstrate the substantial potential of solar photovoltaic technology in supporting carbon neutrality goals.