Optimization of Energy Consumption in Net-Zero Energy Buildings with Increasing Thermal Comfort of Occupants

Abstract

Residential and commercial buildings consume approximately 60% of the world’s electricity. It is almost impossible to provide a general definition of thermal comfort, because the feeling of thermal comfort is affected by varying preferences and specific traits of the population living in different climate zones. Considering that no studies have been conducted on thermal satisfaction of net-zero energy buildings prior to this date, one of the objectives of the present study is to draw a comparison between the thermal parameters for evaluation of thermal comfort of a net-zero energy building occupants. In so doing, the given building for this study is first optimized for the target parameters of thermal comfort and energy consumption, and, hence, a net-zero energy building is formed. Subsequent to obtaining the acceptable thermal comfort range, the computational analyses required to determine the temperature for thermal comfort are carried out using the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. The findings of this study demonstrate that to reach net-zero energy buildings, solar energy alone is not able to supply the energy consumption of buildings and other types of energy should also be used. Furthermore, it is observed that optimum thermal comfort is achieved in moderate seasons.

Feasibility Study of Net-Zero Energy Residential Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates: A Case Study of Iran

“…To optimize the energy use of an NZE office building by increasing the thermal comfort of the occupants in Zahedan, Iran, Mahdavi Adeli et al [40] compared the important parameters of internal thermal comfort conditions using optimization and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Vaghefpour et al [41] have made suggestions for replacing solar energy to provide the required energy for lighting, cooling, and heating in the buildings in Iran. Some of the results of the study are the development of the economy and job opportunities parallel to the development of solar energy.…”

Energy Study of a Greenhouse and Optimisation of the Choice of Shape and Covering Material: Based on an Improved Static Model

“…For example, solar energy can be used for illumination, cooling and heating. This approach has reached many sectors (such as industry, healthcare and education) but it is mostly used in agriculture, particularly for greenhouses (Khattar et al, 2019;Adeli et al, 2020;Ahemd et al, 2016).…”