The Effect of Geometry Parameters on Energy and Thermal Performance of School Buildings in Cold Climates of China

Anxiao Zhang, Regina Bokel, Andy Van den Dobbelsteen, Yanchen Sun, Qiong Huang and Qi Zhang
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Anxiao Zhang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Street, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
Regina Bokel: Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5043, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Andy Van den Dobbelsteen: Department of Architectural Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment, Delft University of Technology, P.O. Box 5043, 2600 GA Delft, The Netherlands
Yanchen Sun: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Street, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
Qiong Huang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Street, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
Qi Zhang: School of Architecture, Tianjin University, No. 92 Weijin Street, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 10, 1-19

Abstract: This paper discusses the role of geometry parameters including building shape, window to wall ratio, room depth, and orientation on the energy use and thermal comfort of school buildings in cold climates of China. The annual total energy demand and summer thermal discomfort time were compared through computer simulations with DesignBuilder. Furthermore, a questionnaire was conducted that related to the students’ subjective preference for various building geometry parameters. Results showed that a maximum of 13.6% of energy savings and 3.8% of thermal comfort improvement when compared to the reference case could be achieved through variations in geometry parameters. The H shape performed the best when the building thermal performance and students’ preferences were considered, as well as the various design options for architects. Window to wall ratio, room depth, and orientation should also be carefully addressed in terms of different building types. The results of this study can serve as a reference for architects and school managers in the early design stages of schools in cold climates of China.

Keywords: school building; geometry parameter; energy consumption; thermal comfort; geometric preference (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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