Reducing the Energy Demand of Multi-Dwelling Units in a Mediterranean Climate Using Solar Protection Elements

Ángel L. León, Samuel Domínguez, Miguel A. Campano and Cristina Ramírez-Balas
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Ángel L. León: Institute of Architecture and Building Science, University of Seville, Avenida Reina Mercedes No.2, 41012 Seville, Spain
Samuel Domínguez: Institute of Architecture and Building Science, University of Seville, Avenida Reina Mercedes No.2, 41012 Seville, Spain
Miguel A. Campano: Institute of Architecture and Building Science, University of Seville, Avenida Reina Mercedes No.2, 41012 Seville, Spain
Cristina Ramírez-Balas: Institute of Architecture and Building Science, University of Seville, Avenida Reina Mercedes No.2, 41012 Seville, Spain

Energies, 2012, vol. 5, issue 9, 1-27

Abstract: It is known that glazed openings are very important elements in the energetic behavior of buildings, especially in Mediterranean climates where there are many hours of solar radiation. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of solar protection on the energy demand of public housing structures in these climates. To this end, the reduction in energy demand achieved by fixed solar protectors in combination with mobile protectors (blinds) was quantified, including an evaluation of the influence of their geometry, dimensions, degree of openness, and the orientation of the opening. To analyze and quantify energetic demand, a block of public housing units in a neighborhood of Seville (latitude 37°23' N) was used as a model. This block is typical of public housing in the Mediterranean region. Simulated energetic models were created using DesignBuilder, achieving reductions in the annual energy demand from 10% to 27% according to the orientation chosen. The results and conclusions of the study are applicable to new construction, energetic rehabilitation projects, and/or the improvement of existing buildings.

Keywords: solar protection; energy demand; energy efficiency; energy saving; social housing buildings; building design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2012
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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