Achieving annual and monthly net-zero energy of existing building in hot climate. (1st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: AlAjmi, Ali; Abou-Ziyan, Hosny; Ghoneim, Adel
• Is Part Of: Applied energy. Volume 165(2016)
• Page Start: 511
• Page End: 521
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01
• Subjects: ASHRAE American Society for Heating Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers -- BOS balance-of-system -- COP coefficient of performance -- DOE Department Of Energy -- EEM energy efficient measure -- EPBD EU-Energy Performance of Buildings Directive -- EUI energy use intensity -- IEA International Energy Agency -- LCOE levelized cost of energy -- NZEB net zero energy building -- PV photovoltaic -- RET renewable energy and technology -- TRNSYS transient simulation program -- ZEB zero energy building; Net-zero energy building -- Energy conservation -- Energy efficient measures -- Solar photovoltaic -- Solar absorption cooling; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy conservation -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.11.073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-2619

Abstract

Highlights: Three scenarios are proposed to achieve net zero energy building (NZEB) in hot climate. Two scenarios achieved NZEB on monthly basis and one on annual basis only. The best scenario is designed to function in synergy with the local energy grid. The best scenario satisfies economical and environmental aspects and saves more energy. The energy conservation program saves greater energy than that produced by PV. Abstract: This paper demonstrates the possibility of converting a public building from inefficient energy consumer into a net-zero energy building (NZEB). This task is achieved through cost effective energy efficient measures (EEMs) and integration of solar energy systems. Three scenarios that utilize the same roof area are proposed to convert the building into NZEB. The first two scenarios use only PV system with the second scenario that incorporates replacing current chillers with more efficient chillers while the third scenario combines both PV and solar cooling systems. The first scenario attains NZEB on annual basis only whereas the other scenarios achieve NZEB on both annual and monthly basis. The second scenario has distinct advantages over other scenarios with respect to energy saving, interaction with energy grids and economic consideration. Both implemented and proposed EEMs result in about 1480 MW h saving of the building consumption and about 1021 ton avoided CO2 emission annually with payback periods ranging from half to 3 years for the considered measures. Annual avoided CO2 emission of about 748 ton is achieved for first or second scenario and about 848 ton for third scenario with payback periods 14.1, 11.8 and 15 years for the 3 considered scenarios, respectively.