Enhancing Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Optimizing Indoor Energy Consumption Performance of an Existing Urban Community, Dubai, UAE
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Date
2018-11
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The British University in Dubai (BUiD)
Abstract
An attempt at enhancing outdoor environmental conditions by simulating passive design strategies to study the effect it will have on the energy consumption of an existing villa located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The significance of this research is based on the following issues that need urgent addressing: the UAE is at the top of the list of countries with the highest ecological footprint; residential energy consumption accounts for 57% of the total energy consumed, and targeting this group may have greater benefits in shorter time.
A mixed methodology was adapted, with simulation programs including ENVI-met and IES VE. The simulations are of cumulative nature and consist of thirteen simulations divided into five stages. Passive design strategies include orientation, coverage materials, greenery, and waterbodies, with the evaluating parameters consisting of air temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity. Energy consumption models are validated with DEWA’s statistical data. Significant findings include a total reduction of 16.6 degrees Celsius in air temperature through the introduction of passive design strategies. The changes in the environment resulted in a total saving in energy consumption of 2,091 MWh per year for this villa. This cost saving of 624,6 AED for the year amounts 4,5% saving on the total consumption.
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Keywords
thermal comfort, energy consumption, urban community, United Arab Emirates (UAE)