Evaluation of energy-cost efficient design alternatives for residential buildings

Abstract

A considerable amount of energy is consumed in buildings because of the economic developments and the increased population. By taking in consideration that 40% of total energy use is consumed in the building, the proper design of building's envelope is crucial for reducing the adverse effects of high energy consumption in the economy and environment of a country. This study aims to investigate the proper design alternatives on the reduction of energy consumption and life-cycle cost (LCC) of residential buildings for heating and cooling purposes. The study is carried out in two cities, Ankara and Antalya, which represents the cold and hot climate region. For this study, the same flat of 1+1 floor plan designed for a family of two in a reference residential building project is simulated with different location, in Ankara and Antalya. For these flats, the annual zone heating and total cooling energy consumptions and life cycle costs are calculated using DesignBuilder simulation program according to different window-wall ratios, glazing types and insulation thickness. Window assembly alternatives are composed of double glazing units with clear glass, low-e glass, blue tinted glass and reflective glass, and PVC frame and the investigated insulation thickness options are EPS 100 mm and EPS 50 mm. At the end of the study, energy, and cost-efficient design alternatives for cold and hot climate regions are proposed.

Energy and economic performance analysis of different ventilated wall construction types in residential buildings

“…Several studies are reported in the literature for building envelope materials and parameters to reduce operation energy. Among these studies, changing the different parameters of the building envelope in a reference building and finding the scenario with the most energy efficient combinations are a topic of great importance [7][8][9][10]. For example, Mirrahimi et al [11] showed that building envelope parameters (window/wall ratio, wall type, building orientation, glazing, etc.)…”

The The Effects of Structural Lightweight Concrete on Energy Performance and Life Cycle Cost in Residential Buildings

“…caused by this inevitable increase show themselves more markedly. To minimize these kinds of problems a series of mandatory and encouraging policies have been implementing in many sectors especially in developed and developing countries [1]. Among these sectors, the construction sector consumes a significant amount of energy, such as 40 % of the total energy consumption [2].…”

Comparison of Energy Efficiency of traditional Brick Wall and Inco- Panel Wall: A Case Study of Hotel Sarowar in Pokhara

“…Similarly, the heat gains are 25 -35% in roofs, 25 -35% in windows, 15 -25% in walls, 10 -20% ground floors, and 5 -25% air infiltration. More heat losses and gains are translated into more energy consumption to maintain the thermal comfort [7].…”

“…The most energy efficient combination is low-e glass + 100 mm (Expandable Polystyrene) EPS + Window Wall Ratio (WWR) 50% for cold climate regions and reflective glass + 100 mm EPS + WWR 50% for hot climate region. Also, the most cost-efficient combination is clear glass + 100 mm EPS + WWR 50% for both regions [7].…”