Effect of Building Form on Energy Consumption of Academic Library Buildings in Different Climate Zones in China

Abstract

This research focuses on the energy efficiency of academic library buildings with their shape in four major climate zones in China. According to their varieties in shapes and their representativeness in current constructions, eight hypothetical models of four types (point, slab, block, comb) are built based on the form of actual academic library buildings in recent years. The relationship between the building forms and building energy consumption is simulated and analysed with the software Design Builder. Results show that with the same construction area, different building forms can lead to variations in energy consumption in different climate zones. The slab-type is relatively energy-saving in most climate zones, while the block-type and E-shaped comb-type are more suitable for hot summer and warm winter zone. The building shape coefficient is an important parameter for reducing energy consumption in severe cold and cold zone, but the role of building depth is also sensitive. This information is dedicated to the architects at the early design stage of a project from the perspective of energy consumption.