scholarly journals Modeling Energy Efficiency Performance and Cost-Benefit Analysis Achieving Net-Zero Energy Building Design: Case Studies of Three Representative Offices in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 5201
Author(s):  
Kittisak Lohwanitchai ◽  
Daranee Jareemit

The concept of a zero energy building is a significant sustainable strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The challenges of zero energy building (ZEB) achievement in Thailand are that the design approach to reach ZEB in office buildings is unclear and inconsistent. In addition, its implementation requires a relatively high investment cost. This study proposes a guideline for cost-optimal design to achieve the ZEB for three representative six-story office buildings in hot and humid Thailand. The energy simulations of envelope designs incorporating high-efficiency systems are carried out using eQuest and daylighting simulation using DIALux evo. The final energy consumptions meet the national ZEB target but are higher than the rooftop PV generation. To reduce such an energy gap, the ratios of building height to width are proposed. The cost-benefit of investment in ZEB projects provides IRRs ranging from 10.73 to 13.85%, with payback periods of 7.2 to 8.5 years. The energy savings from the proposed designs account for 79.2 to 81.6% of the on-site energy use. The investment of high-performance glazed-windows in the small office buildings is unprofitable (NPVs = −14.77–−46.01). These research results could help architects and engineers identify the influential parameters and significant considerations for the ZEB design. Strategies and technical support to improve energy performance in large and mid-rise buildings towards ZEB goals associated with the high investment cost need future investigations.

Energies ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Khakian ◽  
Mehrdad Karimimoshaver ◽  
Farshid Aram ◽  
Soghra Zoroufchi Benis ◽  
Amir Mosavi ◽  
...  

The energy performance of buildings and energy-saving measures have been widely investigated in recent years. However, little attention has been paid to buildings located in rural areas. The aim of this study is to assess the energy performance of two-story residential buildings located in the mountainous village of Palangan in Iran and to evaluate the impact of multiple parameters, namely building orientation, window-to-wall ratio (WWR), glazing type, shading devices, and insulation, on its energy performance. To attain a nearly zero energy building design in rural areas, the building is equipped with photovoltaic modules. The proposed building design is then economically evaluated to ensure its viability. The findings indicate that an energy saving of 29% can be achieved compared to conventional buildings, and over 22 MWh of electricity can be produced on an annual basis. The payback period is assessed at 21.7 years. However, energy subsidies are projected to be eliminated in the near future, which in turn may reduce the payback period.


Author(s):  
Giulia Spiridigliozzi ◽  
Laura Pompei ◽  
Cristina Cornaro ◽  
Livio De Santoli ◽  
Fabio Bisegna

Author(s):  
Barry Mc Carron ◽  
Xianhai Meng ◽  
Shane Colclough

The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) has introduced the concept of Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) specifying that by 31 December 2020 all new buildings must meet the nearly zero- energy standard, the Passive House standard has emerged as a key enabler for the Nearly Zero Energy Building standard. The combination of Passive House with renewables represents a suitable solution to move to low/zero carbon. The hypothesis in this study is that a certified passive house building with high levels of airtightness with a balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) should yield lower indoor radon concentrations. This article presents results and analysis of measured radon levels in a total of 97 certified passive house dwellings using CR-393 alpha track diffusion radon gas detectors. The results support the hypothesis that certified passive house buildings present lower radon levels. A striking observation to emerge from the data shows a difference in radon distribution between upstairs and downstairs when compared against regular housing. The study is a first for Ireland and the United Kingdom and it has relevance to a much wider context with the significant growth of the passive house standard globally.


2020 ◽  
pp. 014459872092314
Author(s):  
Yiting Kang ◽  
Jianlin Wu ◽  
Ruijie Liu ◽  
Linghao He ◽  
Zhen Yu ◽  
...  

To achieve zero-energy building target, both China and the US have planned pathway by formulating guidelines and standards. China has published National China technical standard for nearly zero energy building (CTS-NZEB), which defines detailed principles of zero-energy building. The US LEED zero energy evaluation system has been released based on LEED rating system. Defined target and scope have been introduced in this evaluation system; however, there are no technical and detailed approaches in the rating system. To support future projects achieving the LEED Zero Energy certification in China, accessible applications have been analyzed in perspectives of technology and economy in this article. The comparison and analysis results show that the strategies and technical index of CTS-NZEB can be adopted comprehensively in LEED Zero Energy rating system for Chinese buildings except for renewable energy resources because air source or ground source heat pump system, which are extensively used in China but not acceptable in LEED Zero Energy rating system. High-performance strategies, including low U-value envelope, exterior shading devices, high air tightness envelope, high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system, and low thermal bridge impact, can be applied to pursue LEED Zero Energy rating system. The incremental costs of NZEBs in China are also supported by government through market and financial policies. This would make significant impacts on Chinese buildings to achieve the LEED Zero Energy target.


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