Use of parametric tools in material system selection to minimize building cooling load

Abstract

Operational energy is an essential requirement since it is used for proper functioning of any space. This energy parameter takes a huge chunk of the total energy requirement of a building. Reduction of operational energy in a building is a major requirement in a sustainability standpoint. This study deals with the selection of materials making up the components based on the total cooling loads of a simple construction. A Parametric tool, grasshopper was used for defining material properties conforming to codal provisions and components like roof, wall, floor etc. were modelled. Multiple options for individual components were cross-referenced with other components for calculating the total energy for a yearly basis using galapagos. Genomes were taken as the building components while the fitness function was to minimize the cooling load of the zone. These selected components were compared with a conventional construction and checked for annual operational load. The selected components used 4.89% lesser energy than conventional components. Such simulations provide the builder and the user some idea about total energy used on a yearly basis beforehand, which might be useful in selection of materials.