Energy analysis of cold climate region airports: a case study for airport terminal in Erzurum, Turkey

Abstract

Airport terminals are among the major transportation facilities. They are among the facilities consuming a lot of energy. Energy demand depends on structural variables, operational variables related to the size of the airport, and climatic characteristics. The objective of this study is to analyse energy performance characteristics of Erzurum Airport terminal building, which is located in Turkey's coldest climate zone. Modelling of the Erzurum Airport terminal building was performed by using DesignBuilder software and simulation was performed by using EnergyPlus software. The actual energy consumption of the terminal building is compared with the consumption obtained by simulation. The difference between actual and simulated total final energy consumption is 11%. The total annual CO2 emission production of the terminal building is 1,855,590 kg as a result of consumption of natural gas and electricity. Some measures/practices to reduce energy consumption, reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency within Erzurum Airport terminal building are proposed.