ENHANCING THERMAL COMFORT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS THROUGH A DUAL FUNCTIONAL PASSIVE SYSTEM (SOLAR-WALL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 155-177
Author(s):  
Shouib Mabdeh ◽  
Tamer Al Radaideh ◽  
Montaser Hiyari
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Passive System ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Dual Functional ◽  
Solar Wall ◽  
New System

ABSTRACT Thermal comfort has a great impact on occupants’ productivity and general well-being. Since people spend 80–90% of their time indoors, developing the tools and methods that enhance the thermal comfort for building are worth investigating. Previous studies have proved that using passive systems like Trombe walls and solar chimneys significantly enhanced thermal comfort in inside spaces despite that each system has a specific purpose within a specific climate condition. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to design and configure a new, dual functional passive system, called a solar wall. The new system combines the Trombe wall and solar chimney, and it can cool or heat based on building needs. Simulation software, DesignBuilder, has been used to configure the Solar Wall, and study its impact on indoor operative temperature for the base case. Using the new system, the simulation results were compared with those obtained in the base case and analyzed to determine the most efficient system design parameters and implementation method. The case that gave the best results for solar wall configuration was triple glazed glass and 0.1 cm copper as an absorber (case 11). The results show that using four units (case D) achieves longer thermal comfort levels: 15 to 24 thermal hours during winter (compared to five hours maximum) and 10 to 19 comfort hours in summer (compared to zero).

ENHANCING THERMAL COMFORT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS THROUGH DUAL FUNCTIONAL PASSIVE SYSTEM (SOLAR-WALL)

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 139-161
Author(s):  
Shouib Mabdeh ◽  
Tamer Al Radaideh ◽  
Montaser Hiyari
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Passive System ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Dual Functional ◽  
Solar Wall ◽  
New System

ABSTRACT Thermal comfort has a great effect on occupants’ productivity and general well-being. Since people spend 80–90% of their time indoors, developing the tools and methods that help in enhancing the thermal comfort for buildings are worth investigating. Previous studies have proved that using passive systems like Trombe walls and solar chimneys significantly enhanced thermal comfort in inside spaces despite that each system has a specific purpose within a specific climate condition. Hence, the main purpose of this study is to design and configure a new dual functional passive system, called a solar wall. The new system combines the Trombe wall and solar chimney, and it can cool or heat based on building needs. Simulation software, DesignBuilder, has been used to configure the Solar Wall and study its impact on indoor operative temperature for the base case. Using the new system, the simulation results were compared with those obtained in the base case and analyzed to determine the most efficient system design parameters and implementation method. The case that gave the best results for solar wall configuration was triple glazed glass and 0.1 cm copper as an absorber (case 11). The results show that using four units (case D) achieves longer thermal comfort levels: 15 to 24 thermal hours during winter (compared to five hours maximum) and 10 to 19 comfort hours in summer (compared to zero).

scholarly journals Multi-Objective Techno-Economic Optimization of Design Parameters for Residential Buildings in Different Climate Zones

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 65
Author(s):  
Muhammad Usman ◽  
Georg Frey
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Load ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Economic Optimization ◽  
Single Family ◽  
Climate Zones

The comprehensive approach for a building envelope design involves building performance simulations, which are time-consuming and require knowledge of complicated processes. In addition, climate variation makes the selection of these parameters more complex. The paper aims to establish guidelines for determining a single-family household’s unique optimal passive design in various climate zones worldwide. For this purpose, a bi-objective optimization is performed for twenty-four locations in twenty climates by coupling TRNSYS and a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) using the Python program. The optimization process generates Pareto fronts of thermal load and investment cost to identify the optimum design options for the insulation level of the envelope, window aperture for passive cooling, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), shading fraction, radiation-based shading control, and building orientation. The goal is to find a feasible trade-off between thermal energy demand and the cost of thermal insulation. This is achieved using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) through criteria importance using intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) and the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). The results demonstrate that an optimal envelope design remarkably improves the thermal load compared to the base case of previous envelope design practices. However, the weather conditions strongly influence the design parameters. The research findings set a benchmark for energy-efficient household envelopes in the investigated climates. The optimal solution sets also provide a criterion for selecting the ranges of envelope design parameters according to the space heating and cooling demands of the climate zone.

A comparative study of thermal performance in three generations of Iranian residential buildings: Case studies in Csa Gorgan

2020 ◽  
pp. 174425912090624
Author(s):  
Shima Moolavi Sanzighi ◽  
Farzaneh Soflaei ◽  
Mehdi Shokouhian
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Design Strategies ◽  
Main Design ◽  
Geometrical Properties ◽  
Architectural Styles ◽  
The Impact

This article focuses on evaluating thermal performance of different types of residential buildings in Mediterranean climate (Csa) of Iran. The aim is to identify the main design parameters in nine research cases, selected from three distinct periods of history with different architectural styles, and evaluating thermal performance of these buildings. To that end, a library study was carried out to identify the most influential passive design strategies and to highlight their impact on thermal comfort and energy efficiency of residential buildings. A field survey was conducted to determine the most common types of average-income houses in Csa climate of Gorgan, Iran, with a historical overview from 19th century to present. Nine buildings were selected to study from three different period of times including the years from 1850 to 1925, 1925 to 1979 and 1979 to present. A three-dimensional numerical model was developed to assess the impact of four main design parameters including orientation, geometrical properties, openings and materials on indoor thermal comfort for each case, using Design Builder commercial software package. The correlation between these design variables and thermal comfort was presented; the results reveal that the contemporary residential buildings are not designed as efficient as traditional houses in this area, in terms of passive energy saving techniques.

scholarly journals Sensitivity Analysis of Passive Design Strategies for Residential Buildings in Cold Semi-Arid Climates

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 1091 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqas Ahmed Mahar ◽  
Griet Verbeeck ◽  
Sigrid Reiter ◽  
Shady Attia
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Rapid Urbanization ◽  
Design Recommendations ◽  
Adaptive Comfort ◽  
Passive Design ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Semi Arid

Buildings are significant drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Improving the thermal comfort of occupants in free-running buildings and avoiding active and fossil fuel-based systems is the main challenge in many cities worldwide. However, the impacts of passive design measures on thermal comfort in cold semi-arid regions are seldom studied. With the rapid urbanization and the widespread use of personalised heating and cooling systems, there is a need to inform building designers and city authorities about passive design measures that can achieve nearly optimal conditions. Therefore, in this study, a global sensitivity analysis of the impact of passive design parameters on adaptive comfort in cold semi-arid climates was conducted. A representative residential building was simulated and calibrated in Quetta, Pakistan, to identify key design parameters for optimal thermal comfort. The results list and rank a set of passive design recommendations that can be used widely in similar climates. The results show that among the investigated 21 design variables, the insulation type of roof is the most influential design variable. Overall, the sensitivity analysis yielded new quantitative and qualitative knowledge about the passive design of buildings with personalised heating systems, but the used sensitivity analysis has some limitations. Finally, this study provides evidence-based and informed design recommendations that can serve architects and homeowners to integrate passive design measures at the earliest conceptual design phases in cold semi-arid climates.

scholarly journals Influence of Urban Microclimate on Air-Conditioning Energy Needs and Indoor Thermal Comfort in Houses

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Feng-Chi Liao ◽  
Ming-Jen Cheng ◽  
Ruey-Lung Hwang
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
City Planning ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Meteorological Data ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Comfort Level ◽  
Urban Microclimate ◽  
Local Climate ◽  
Hourly Data

A long-term climate measurement was implemented in the third largest city of Taiwan, for the check of accuracy of morphing approach on generating the hourly data of urban local climate. Based on observed and morphed meteorological data, building energy simulation software EnergyPlus was used to simulate the cooling energy consumption of an air-conditioned typical flat and the thermal comfort level of a naturally ventilated typical flat. The simulated results were used to quantitatively discuss the effect of urban microclimate on the energy consumption as well as thermal comfort of residential buildings. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for city planning and energy management divisions to study urban sustainability strategies in the future.

scholarly journals Early stage Design Workflow for high Energy Performance Multi-storey Residential Buildings

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hachem ◽  
R. Beckett
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Building Envelope ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Design Decisions ◽  
Stage Design ◽  
Early Stage Design

This paper presents a methodology to optimize building envelope energy performance for multi-storey residential buildings using a design performance model approach. Five analysis techniques, applied to a database of parametric simulation results, are proposed to derive information on various building performance features that can support early design decisions. Information may include optimal combination of design parameter values to achieve lowest energy consumption, or the relative impact of design parameters on a given design, such as a base case. A workflow template is established to provide support for the design process of energy efficient multi-storey residential buildings. This template can form a basis for the development of an interactive tool that integrates energy performance principles into early stage design decisions. The application of this methodology to a building in Vancouver (BC, Canada, 49°N) is presented as a case study. Results of this application demonstrates that adopting a specific combination of building envelope parameters, thermal load can be reduced by up to 85% as compared to a base case designed according to commonly built apartment buildings in the studied location.  

scholarly journals Outdoor Thermal Comfort Improvement of Campus Public Space

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Damrongsak Rinchumphu ◽  
Non Phichetkunbodee ◽  
Nakarin Pomsurin ◽  
Chawanat Sundaranaga ◽  
Sarote Tepweerakun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Thermal Conditions ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Outdoor Thermal Comfort ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Comfort Index ◽  
Design Alternatives ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Field Data Collection

This study focuses on the design of a campus public space, located within the Faculty of Engineering, Chiang Mai University, Thailand. This area faces extreme temperatures, creating uncomfortable outdoor thermal conditions and hindering activities that are expected to support the learning and social cohesion needs of students. To create the best conditions in this space, three design alternatives such as adding a pond, large trees, or shrubs were considered, and the Physiologically Equivalent Temperature (PET) was used to calculate the outdoor thermal comfort index for each alternative. The alternatives were then compared to the base case. The PET can be calculated using the ENVI-met simulation software following the appropriate field data collection and calibration process. The results showed that adding large trees in the south-west area is the best design alternative. The PET for this alternative was 3.17 % lower than the base case. In addition, this design workflow is an effective working model for further outdoor public space designs to meet the constraints of effective sustainable development in any tropical campus area.

scholarly journals Effects of Climate Change for Thermal Comfort and Energy Performance of Residential Buildings in a Sub-Saharan African Climate

Buildings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dodoo ◽  
Ayarkwa
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Simulation Software ◽  
Indoor Climate ◽  
Recent Climate ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Cooling Energy Demand

This study presents an analysis of the impacts of climate change on thermal comfort and energy performance of residential buildings in Ghana, in sub-Saharan Africa, and explores mitigation as well as adaptation strategies to improve buildings’ performance under climate change conditions. The performances of the buildings are analyzed for both recent and projected future climates for the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions of Ghana, using the IDA-ICE dynamic simulation software, with climate data from the Meteonorm global climate database. The results suggest that climate change will significantly influence energy performance and indoor comfort conditions of buildings in Ghana. However, effective building design strategies could significantly improve buildings’ energy and indoor climate performances under both current and future climate conditions. The simulations show that the cooling energy demand of the analyzed building in the Greater Accra region is 113.9 kWh/m2 for the recent climate, and this increases by 31% and 50% for the projected climates for 2030 and 2050, respectively. For the analyzed building in the Ashanti region, the cooling energy demand is 104.4 kWh/m2 for the recent climate, and this increases by 6% and 15% for the 2030 and 2050 climates, respectively. Furthermore, indoor climate and comfort deteriorate under the climate change conditions, in contrast to the recent conditions.

scholarly journals Gravitricity based on solar and gravity energy storage for residential applications

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oluwole K. Bowoto ◽  
Omonigho P. Emenuvwe ◽  
Meysam N. Azadani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Storage ◽  
Renewable Energy Sources ◽  
Storage System ◽  
Computational Modelling ◽  
Dynamic Modelling ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Height Range ◽  
Efficient System ◽  
Priority List

AbstractThis study proposes a design model for conserving and utilizing energy affordably and intermittently considering the wind rush experienced in the patronage of renewable energy sources for cheaper generation of electricity and the solar energy potential especially in continents of Africa and Asia. Essentially, the global quest for sustainable development across every sector is on the rise; hence, the need for a sustainable method of extracting energy cheaply with less wastage and pollution is on the priority list. This research, integrates and formulates different ideologies, factors and variables that have been adopted in previous research studies to create an efficient system. Some of the aforementioned researches includes pumped hydro gravity storage system, Compressed air gravity storage system, suspended weight in abandoned mine shaft, dynamic modelling of gravity energy storage coupled with a PV energy plant and deep ocean gravity energy storage. As an alternative and a modification to these systems, this research is proposing a Combined solar and gravity energy storage system. The design synthesis and computational modelling of the proposed system model were investigated using a constant height and but varying mass. Efficiencies reaching up to 62% was achieved using the chosen design experimental parameters adopted in this work. However, this efficiency can be tremendously improved upon if the design parameters are modified putting certain key factors which are highlighted in the limitation aspect of this research into consideration. Also, it was observed that for a test load of 50 × 103 mA running for 10 h (3600 s), the proposed system will only need to provide a torque of 3.27Nm and a height range of 66.1 × 104 m when a mass of 10 kg is lifted to give out power of 48 kwh. Since gravity storage requires intermittent actions and structured motions, mathematical models were used to analyse the system performance characteristics amongst other important parameters using tools like MATLAB Simscape modelling toolbox, Microsoft excel and Sysml Model software.

scholarly journals Heating and Cooling Degree-Days Climate Change Projections for Portugal

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 715
Author(s):  
Cristina Andrade ◽  
Sandra Mourato ◽  
João Ramos
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Thermal Comfort ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Degree Days ◽  
Climate Change Projections ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Cooling Degree Days ◽  
Heating Energy Demand

Climate change is expected to influence cooling and heating energy demand of residential buildings and affect overall thermal comfort. Towards this end, the heating (HDD) and cooling (CDD) degree-days along with HDD + CDD were computed from an ensemble of seven high-resolution bias-corrected simulations attained from EURO-CORDEX under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). These three indicators were analyzed for 1971–2000 (from E-OBS) and 2011–2040, and 2041–2070, under both RCPs. Results predict a decrease in HDDs most significant under RCP8.5. Conversely, it is projected an increase of CDD values for both scenarios. The decrease in HDDs is projected to be higher than the increase in CDDs hinting to an increase in the energy demand to cool internal environments in Portugal. Statistically significant linear CDD trends were only found for 2041–2070 under RCP4.5. Towards 2070, higher(lower) CDD (HDD and HDD + CDD) anomaly amplitudes are depicted, mainly under RCP8.5. Within the five NUTS II

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