Design feasibility of a net-zero energy neighborhood in Qazvin

Abstract

Fossil fuel combustion to supply energy demand has significant effects on air pollution and global warming through an increase in environmental pollutants and greenhouse gases resulting in climate change, environmental deterioration, and spread of different diseases. In Iran, the high growth of annual consumption of various fossil fuels has triggered many environmental and socioeconomic problems, and the building sector with a share of 40% in energy consumption plays a significant role in energy consumption levels. The main aim of this study is to investigate how to decrease residential buildings’ energy demand through passive methods and substitute renewable energy for fossil fuel to supply energy for buildings in a framework of a net-zero energy neighborhood unit in Qazvin. The methods applied in this study were based on analytical method, causal study method, and simulation. In this study, DesignBuilder thermal simulation software is used to estimate the energy consumption decrease through the passive strategies. In addition, the buildings’ energy demand is supplied using renewable energy sources. Results show that improving the thermal insulation and heat capacity of housing materials can reduce energy demand by 31.5%. In addition, appropriate window shading and natural ventilation decrease the buildings’ annual energy consumption levels (32 residential units) at a rate of 2 and 17.5%, respectively. Furthermore, achieving the net-zero energy definition required 902 units of PV modules with nominal power of 256 W, as well as 24 solar collectors and their assimilation with the energy grid.