Work

Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Office Building Typologies in Temperate Zones Based on Dynamic Simulations

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Annual energy consumption has surged due to suboptimal energy efficiency, resulting in an electricity supply shortage in Sulaimani, an Iraqi city in a temperate climate zone. This mixed-methods study aims to optimise energy efficiency in Sulaimani’s office buildings using IDA Indoor Climate and Energy (IDA ICE) dynamic simulation software v4.8. First, we collected data and developed 204 scenarios based on three prevalent plan typologies, linear (T1), concentric (T2), and courtyard (T3), utilising common materials such as Alucobond (M1), cement plaster (M2), Styropor (M3), and a curtain wall (M4). Afterwards, we performed relevant analyses employing External Venetian Blinds (EVBs) to reduce cooling load and/or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) to reduce heating load. Notably, the results proved that EPS was more effective than EVBs in reducing both heating and cooling loads in the temperate climate zone, achieving reductions of up to 38% for T1. Meanwhile, EPS contributed to a heating load reduction of up to 52% for T3, and this adversely impacted overall energy consumption. Both EVBs and EPS could reduce total energy consumption by up to 30% in T2. In conclusion, the total energy consumption increased in temperate climate zones when EVBs were utilised, but this effect varied based on the various typologies of office buildings.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18061414

Authors: Twana Rasool Fattah, Tamás János Katona, Bálint Bachmann, Bálint Baranyai

Institution: University of Pecs

Language: English

Topic: Building Energy and Comfort Optimization

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities, Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137