Optimization of urban buildings form using a modified competitive search algorithm

Abstract

Designing efficient forms of cities to obtain energy-effective buildings is a significant target for urban planners. In this respect, a new method based on the Modified Competitive Search Algorithm (MCSA) is applied. It is aimed at finding building forms with maximum absorptivity of solar radiation in winter and minimum absorptivity in the summer season. The latitude is considered to be between 33°-48°. By assessing the corresponding parameters, it has resulted that for the 48֯ of latitude, the pavilion has better performance, but for 43֯ of latitude, terraces had optimum results. The optimum range of grid azimuth is between −15֯ and +15֯, only the range between −45֯ and +45֯ can be effective for the 48֯ of latitude. A higher number of floors is possible for pavilion forms. By an increase of the latitude from 33֯ to 43֯, the north-south orientation aspect ratio declines for terraces and slabs in winter. Pavilions with 9 floors have better performance in winter high absorption during 3 h and in summer less absorptivity in the afternoon for the 48֯ of latitude. Significantly, the lower absorptivity of higher solar radiation and solar altitude in summer is obtained for the pavilion forms with 6 floors.