A Study of Design Variables in Daylight and Energy Performance in Residential Buildings under Hot Climates

Ali Mohammed Al-Dossary,Daeung Danny Kim

doi:10.3390/en13215836

Abstract

In Saudi Arabia, residential buildings are one of the major contributors to total energy consumption. Even though there are abundant natural resources, it is somewhat difficult to apply them to building designs, as design variables, due to slow progress and private issues in Saudi Arabia. Thus, the present study demonstrated the development of sustainable residential building design by examining the daylighting and energy performance with design variables. Focusing on the daylighting system, the design variables were chosen, including window-to-wall ratios (WWR), external shading devices, and types of glazing. The illuminance level by these design variables in a building was evaluated by using daylight metrics, such as spatial daylight autonomy and annual sunlight exposure. Moreover, the building energy consumption with these design variables was analyzed by using energy simulation. As a result, the daylighting was improved with the increase in WWRs and the tinted double glazing, while these design options can cause overheating in a residential building. Among types of glazing, the double pane windows with a low-E coating showed better energy performance. Based on the results, it is necessary to find the proper design variables that can balance the daylighting and energy performance in residential buildings in hot climates.

Highlights

Energy has become a global concern in developed, as well as developing, countries.The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated that 81% of the world’s total energy was primarily supplied by fossil fuels, which are depletable resources [1]
Buildings have consumed a large share of global energy and they have contributed to about 33% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [2]
As with the window-to-wall ratios (WWR) (15%) of the reference case, it was difficult to reach the preferred or accepted levels of daylight metrics, in which sDA300/50% was less than 20%, while the value of aSE1000,250h was about 5% (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

Energy has become a global concern in developed, as well as developing, countries. The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicated that 81% of the world’s total energy was primarily supplied by fossil fuels, which are depletable resources [1]. Buildings have consumed a large share of global energy and they have contributed to about 33% of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions [2]. The GHGs emitted by buildings have a detrimental impact on the environment. This issue has attracted the attention of scientists as well as public attention [3,4]. Energy conservation has received great attention in Saudi Arabia. The building industry in Saudi Arabia has experienced major developments with a rapidly escalating population [5].

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion