Determination of Optimum Building Envelope Parameters of a Room concerning Window-to-Wall Ratio, Orientation, Insulation Thickness and Window Type

Abstract

The building envelope includes all materials (glazing, external walls, doors, etc.) that separate the conditioned space from the outside environment. Building envelope characteristics significantly influence the energy consumption of buildings. In this study, research was carried out to find optimum building envelope design parameters, such as insulation thickness, orientation, glazing type, and the window-to-wall ratio of a room, using actual climatic data of two cities with different characteristics according to the Köppen climatic classification. The insulation thickness and the window type that minimizes the net present worth of the building façade over 20 years of a lifetime gave the optimum values. In addition, the effect of the various parameters, such as the infiltration rate through the envelope, room set-point temperature, and the fuel type, on the net present cost was also analyzed. It was found that appropriate selection of windows, orientation, and insulation thickness would lead to a significant reduction in the annual energy consumption. Despite having the lowest initial investment cost, the room with single glazed windows had the highest energy requirement and the net present cost. The building façade with double glazed windows, oriented towards the south-west, yielded the minimum net present cost in both locations. Results showed that the optimum external wall thickness is 9 cm in Hakkari (Dsa—Continental Climate) and 6 cm in Istanbul (Csa—Mild Climate).

Low energy consumption layout of exhibition buildings in Yangtze River Delta region

“…Considering the feasibility of data collection and on-site investigations during the actual research process 17 , this study primarily covers 48 exhibition architecture works, which are mainly designed by Pritzker Prize laureates and renowned architectural design teams. This approach aims to conduct a more comprehensive, in-depth, and reliable research analysis of exhibition architecture worldwide 12 , 22 . Similar related studies typically refer to a minimum of 30 cases to ensure the scientific rigor of data analysis.…”

“…In 2018, He et al 21 suggested that courtyards not only improve the microclimate of buildings and reduce indoor energy consumption but also promote interaction and behavioral pattern changes among users. In 2022, Altun et al 22 proposed that courtyard orientation and the window-to-wall ratio are important factors influencing energy consumption. Unfortunately, there is still very limited research focused on the layout of exhibition building courtyards and providing design guidance for energy saving.…”

Integrated Economic and Environmental Assessment-Based Optimization Design Method of Building Roof Thermal Insulation

“…ECB is the net present value of economic benefit for roof insulation. ECB is calculated by using Equation (25). ECB max is the maximum net present value of economic benefit for insulation investment.…”

“…The operating time of an HVAC system assumed in the degree-day estimation method is inconsistent with its actual operating time [23]. The degree-day estimation method cannot predict the building energy consumption accurately, which will affect the accuracy of economic analysis results [24][25][26]. There is still a lack of accurate double-skin ventilation roof heat transfer models which can forecast building roof energy consumption accurately.…”

Experimental Heat Transfer, Sound Insulation and Interior Comfort Parameters Assessment on a Box Double-Skin Façade

“…Another important role in the implementation of new energy-efficient technologies is played by laws, standards and norms, but unfortunately, in general, it takes a long time to make changes in this regard, even if many of them are essential. Last but not least, the initial cost/recovery ratio of the investment has a major role in the widespread introduction of energy-efficient systems and technologies [19][20][21][22].…”