Climate comparative building energy optimization: a retrofit approach including solar photovoltaic panels and natural ventilation

Abstract

Given the importance of optimal consumption of energy in buildings, as one of the major energy consumption parts, a real residential villa was simulated in the hot and dry and also hot and humid climates in this study. The solar irradiation of photovoltaic panels was used for partial supply of energy needs of the building. The proposed strategies to improve the building and reduce its energy consumption included thermal insulators embedded in the walls and the ceiling, and replacement of simple old windows with double glazed windows equipped with temperature sensors and smart interior shadings. In hot and dry climate of Isfahan, implementing solar panels, wall and ceiling insulation, double glazed smart windows, internal smart shading and natural ventilation lead to optimal energy consumption with 38.43 and 50.94% reduction in the cooling and heating loads, respectively. In hot and humid climate of Bandar Abbas, all of mentioned scenarios except natural ventilation were used and showed 46% thermal loads reduction. Solar power could support 67.3% of electricity in Isfahan and 42.3% of it in Bandar Abbas