Technical review of wind energy potential as small-scale power generation sources in Penang Island Malaysia

Developing a Sustainable City in a Tropical Area to Create a Balance between Vegetation and Water Bodies

“…The ratio of greenery to the urban area has to be appropriate to offset the effects of thermal discomfort through vegetative cooling [32]. This view was supported by a study sponsored by the Forest Service on the tree canopy cover in urban landscapes [33]- [35], and by other studies on watersheds and many urban ecosystem processes [36]- [39]. As for hot and humid climatic zones, many researchers [14], [29], [40] recognize the importance of solar shading in the design of urban structures because it can be used to keep heat gain at minimum levels and maximize coverage over urban surfaces [1].…”

“…In Singapore, the difference of temperature between well-planted areas and the urban core can be up to a maximum of 4.01°C. Other researchers have noted that urban greening efforts like growing short vegetations also can alter urban temperature through transpiration [6], [35]. Although heat island effects can raise the level of thermal discomfort, the strategic location and landscape of hot and humid tropics offers the potential of shading and transpirational [42].…”

“…The rate of evaporation on the surface of water bodies are affected by the geometrical characteristics, region, and the surrounding landscapes [44]. It is concluded that the water bodies' geometry, shape, and depth can influence the variations of the Urban Cool Island (UCI) intensity; however, it is negatively correlated to the UCI efficiency of water body area [35], [44]. This means that even if the total area of water bodies is divided into several small water bodies, the benefits and positive effects will still remain the same.…”

“…This means that even if the total area of water bodies is divided into several small water bodies, the benefits and positive effects will still remain the same. Besides that, the cooling potential of the water bodies is not dependent on the shape and depth of the volume of water [35]. Therefore, the effectiveness of cooling relies on the measurements of the water bodies and the threshold with landscape environments.…”

“…This proved the results of [44] which stated that there is a significant relationship between the location and exchange of thermal loads from water bodies and the surrounding landscape. Basically, the best method to provide cooling effects in high temperature locations is to have many 'wet surfaces' to maximize the evaporation rate [35]. If water bodies can be strategically placed to take advantage of air movement patterns at a local scale and more trees are planted around water bodies, the potential of cooling the environment is highly beneficial (Fig.…”