Integrated evaluation and optimization on building area ratios of urban complex with distributed energy resource system in different climatic conditions

Abstract

As the main construction type in urban centers, urban complex has become the focus of energy-saving and emission-reducing studies facing the severe challenges of energy crisis and environmental problems. However, the current energy-saving design is usually carried out after the layout design of buildings, which limits the energy-saving effect. This study supposes to improve the integrated energy performance of urban complex before the architectural design. Based on the operating characteristics of distributed energy resource system, we study the reasonable building area ratios of urban complex in different climate zones in China by the energy simulation, scenario analysis and multi-criteria assessment methods. Primary energy consumption saving rate, carbon dioxide emission reduction rate and operating cost saving rate are selected to assess the integrated energy performance of urban complex. The results indicate that (1) building area ratios have an appreciable impact on the integrated energy benefits of urban complex, while the climatic conditions have less impact on the optimization of its building area ratio scheme; (2) area ratio scheme with more “residence” and balanced ratio of other basic functions show the optimal integrated energy benefits of the urban complex with DER system; (3) optimal building area ratio scheme of urban complexes in different types and different climate conditions achieve an integrated saving rate of 22.2%∼46.5%. The main findings of this study could be a useful quantitative reference for the pre-planning of urban complex, which also contribute to the energy conservation and pollution reduction of urban area in the future.