Photovoltaic (PV) power generation is emerging as a key aspect of the global shift towards a more sustainable energy mix. Nevertheless, existing assessment models predominantly concentrate on predicting the overall capacity of PV power generation, often neglecting temporal dynamics. Drawing upon the urban energy substitution rate, utilization rate, and power supply stability, this study has devised a comprehensive evaluation model for the utilization of distributed photovoltaic systems (SUS). This model integrates the quantification of spatio-temporal features inherent in urban settings and buildings. Using Hohhot city as a case study, this study conducted simulations to analyze how the installation of PV systems affects the electricity consumption patterns across different land plots within the urban core. The study additionally examines how urban planning influences the adoption of PV power, taking into account both the timing of PV power usage and the stage of PV technology development. The evaluation model surpasses the constraints of current urban PV assessments, which primarily emphasize enhancing power generation potential without adequately quantifying supply–demand dynamics or spatial and temporal variations. This breakthrough significantly improves the precision and reliability of assessing the efficiency of distributed PV systems. Its implications extend widely to subsequent comprehensive evaluations of urban PV applications.

The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, as the longest artificial waterway in the world, preserves a significant number of water engineering facilities along its route. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, water transport of grain peaked, and these facilities played a crucial role in water resource management and navigation. To protect the historical value of the facilities, constructing a water engineering facility importance assessment model is crucial.In this study, the water engineering facilities in the Huitong River section were selected. Their Ming—Qing relationship network was built using UCINET6.769, and key indexes such as betweenness centrality were extracted for importance analysis. This study innovatively combines SNA, kernel density, and TOPSIS to build a comprehensive assessment system, first applied to cultural heritage protection, bringing new vitality to the field. The results indicate that compared to the Ming dynasty, the overall network scale of water engineering facilities in the Huitong River section expanded and became more dispersed during the Qing dynasty. Key facilities were primarily concentrated in the Northern Five Lakes and Nanyang Lake regions. Ultimately, the study produced a comprehensive ranking of the significance of water engineering facilities for both dynasties, revealing that the core facilities increased from 19 in the Ming dynasty to 31 in the Qing dynasty.

The spatial layout of the coastal forts defense system of the Ming Dynasty of China has been studied in a relatively comprehensive way. Nonetheless, ancient defense mechanisms have not been fully revealed. Previous studies have focused more on the macro and meso levels. Studies into its microscopic construction mechanism need to be enhanced. This research attempts to quantify and validate the rationality of the ancient microscopic defense mechanism, using the ancient defense mechanism of Pu Zhuang Suo-Fort in Zhejiang Province as an instance. This study concentrates on the distribution of firepower strength beyond the walls of coastal defense forts, as well as the effect of wall height on firepower defense capabilities. There is a specific firepower attenuation area near the walls due to the firing blind area in the coastal forts defense system. And the construction of the moat plays an additive role in its defensive capability. Meanwhile, the height of the fort wall will also affect the range of the firing blind zone under Yangmacheng. In theory, there is a reasonable height range of the wall and a proper position of the moat. This height range can meet both good economy and defensive capabilities. In turn, the position of the moats and the height of the walls can verify the rationality of the construction mechanism of the coastal forts’ defense system.

The Nanwang Water Diversion Hub, a core hydraulic heritage in the Ming-Qing Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal’s Huitong River section, was vital for water regulation and navigation. Using HEC-RAS, we constructed a numerical restoration model to simulate its impact on local hydraulics, water management, and navigation capacity. Simulations show the Hub crucially regulated water levels, improved navigation, and reduced riverbed erosion. By elevating levels, stabilizing flow, and mitigating hydraulic jumps, it significantly enhanced navigation safety. Precise energy distribution management boosted the canal’s diversion, storage, and drainage capacities, enabling sustainable water supply. Matching an optimal energy gradient effectively reduced local shear stress, inhibited erosion/sedimentation, strengthened channel stability, and prolonged canal lifespan. This study quantitatively reveals ancient composite hydraulic system mechanisms and provides a scientific basis for digital conservation, functional reconstruction, and sustainable utilization of this World Heritage canal. The methodology is applicable to other ancient canal heritage conservation.

Research on the characteristics and functions of ancient Juntun (military tillage) has paid limited attention to the distribution patterns and influencing factors of Juntun in specific regions. This study employs a comprehensive approach integrating GIS technology and the multi-scale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model to quantitatively analyze the spatial distribution characteristics and influencing factors of Ming Dynasty Juntun in Fujian. The study reveals that Juntun were primarily located in flat areas near water systems, while exhibiting a U-shaped distribution pattern away from garrison forts, reflecting a synergy between agricultural foundations and military defense. MGWR analysis further indicates that fiscal and taxation factors had a stronger influence on their distribution than arable land resources, highlighting their non-purely agriculturally driven nature. This research provides a quantitative basis for understanding the organizational logic and spatial strategy of ancient military settlements, offering valuable insights for the conservation and study of military heritage.