Energy and exergy-based degree-hours in estimation of heat requirements for heating and cooling purposes

Abstract

This study presents an innovative exergy-based methodology to revolutionize the assessment of heating and cooling energy utilization, transcending the limitations of traditional heating and cooling degree-hours (HDH and CDH) analyses. The study’s distinctiveness stems from its investigation into variations in HDH and CDH concerning critical parameters such as ambient temperature, solar-air temperature, solar absorptivity, surface emissivity, and total heat transfer coefficient. This fosters a profound comprehension of the thermodynamic performance of building heating and cooling systems, empowering decision-makers with the insights needed to optimize energy utilization effectively. As demonstrated through a case study conducted in Antalya, Turkey, this study uncovers significant findings. A mere 1 °C increase in ambient temperature results in an average 14 % surge in heating demand and an average 17 % decline in cooling demand, leading to a substantial 1000°-h discrepancy between heating and cooling requirements. Furthermore, we underscore the sensitivity of energy demand to temperature fluctuations, the substantial impact of design temperature on energy consumption, the notable influence of solar effects on environmental conditions, and the potential for optimization in parameters such as solar absorptivity, surface emissivity, and total heat transfer coefficient. These insights underscore the significance of exergy-based systems, offering heightened energy efficiency, swift adaptability to temperature changes, integration of renewable energy sources, and intelligent control features that contribute to sustainability and energy savings.