Impacts of multiple factors on energy consumption of aging residential buildings based on a system dynamics model--Taking Northwest China as an example

Abstract

The analysis of factors affecting energy consumption is very important for saving energy and reducing consumption in residential buildings. Existing research on this matter lacks an analysis of multiple interacting factors and has not solved the problem of high energy consumption. Therefore, we first determined the multiple factors affecting energy consumption, which comprised meteorology, architecture, resident, equipment, and energy-use behavior. Next, the system dynamics theory was used to construct a system dynamics (SD) model of energy consumption in aging residential buildings, to reveal the impact of these factors on energy consumption. Based on the SD model, and data from aging residential buildings in Northwest China, and use scenario simulation to explore the best energy-saving renovation plan for such buildings. The results show that the interaction between multiple factors is the main cause of high energy consumption in aging residential buildings, which can be greatly reduced through a comprehensive renovation plan to improve the thermal insulation performance of the building envelope, and to promote the use of energy-saving appliances and energy-saving behavior. Furthermore, this study will help engineers and policymakers identify the most influential factors affecting energy consumption and to develop the best energy-saving renovation plan for aging residential buildings.