Defining Predictive Model for the Energy Consumption of Mid-Rise Residential Buildings Based on Geometric Factors of Southern Buildings in Isfahan City

Document Type : Scientific Research

Authors

1 Architecture Group, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urban Design, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Architecture, Faculty of Architectural Engineering and Urban Design, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Research Problem: The escalating demand for sustainable building design and energy reduction in the construction sector has prompted researchers and industry experts to explore innovative methods for predicting and optimizing energy consumption in residential buildings. In this context, this research aims to define and examine a predictive model for the energy consumption of mid-rise residential buildings within the framework of energy performance simulation based on geometric factors in the city of Isfahan. The primary objective of this study is the prediction, modeling, and optimization of the impact of geometric characteristics of mid-rise residential buildings in southern Isfahan on energy performance. This includes total energy consumption, heating requirements, and cooling needs, using simulation and modeling methods within the climate of Isfahan.
Research Question: What model can predict the relationship between the general geometric characteristics of mid-rise residential buildings in Isfahan and the level of energy consumption in various sectors?
Research Method: The research methodology employed in this study is quantitative, encompassing content analysis, modeling, energy performance simulation, linear regression modeling, and optimization. Initially, influential geometric factors affecting building energy consumption are identified, and a modeling process is initiated for simulation. Subsequently, in a systematic step-by-step approach, 24,192 samples of building morphologies in southern Isfahan are simulated based on climatic conditions. The results are then entered into a linear regression model. Additionally, an optimization process using a genetic algorithm with non-dominated ranking, based on energy performance, is conducted over 300 generations with 50 samples in each generation. The tools utilized in this research include Rhino software, Grasshopper environment, and plugins such as Ladybug Tools, Colibri, and Wallacei.
The Most Important Results and Conclusion: Based on linear regression analysis, predictive models for energy consumption, heating requirements, and cooling needs are presented in six equations. According to the findings, the highest correlation between architectural variables and energy performance is related to the volume and the number of building floors. Based on these results, a linear model based on general geometric characteristics predicts about 94% of energy variations. Moreover, it is concluded that the best fits for building plans are square shapes. It is also found that with an increase in building area and the number of floors, energy consumption per square meter decreases. The primary research question aimed to establish a model predicting the relationship between the general geometric characteristics of mid-rise residential buildings in Isfahan and building energy performance. In response, six equations for energy performance are provided with a prediction accuracy of over 75% and a confidence coefficient of over 95%. Another research question targeted the optimization of the morphological features of mid-rise residential buildings in Isfahan for optimal energy performance. Based on the findings, for optimal energy performance of residential buildings, a square plan is recommended, accompanied by an increase in the number of floors. No definitive relationship has been established for building orientation. According to the findings, it is suggested to increase the height of residential units, although this has a relatively minor impact on energy performance.

Graphical Abstract

Defining Predictive Model for the Energy Consumption of Mid-Rise Residential Buildings 
Based on Geometric Factors of Southern Buildings in Isfahan City

Keywords

Main Subjects


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