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A Parametric Study and Performance Evaluation of Energy Retrofit Solutions for Buildings Located in the Hot-Humid Climate of Paraguay—Sensitivity Analysis

Author

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  • Fabiana Silvero

    (RISCO, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
    Geology and Engineering Department, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 42–65127 Chieti–Pescara, Italy)

  • Fernanda Rodrigues

    (RISCO, Civil Engineering Department, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Sergio Montelpare

    (Geology and Engineering Department, University G. d’Annunzio of Chieti-Pescara, 42–65127 Chieti–Pescara, Italy)

Abstract

Nowadays, awareness concerning the need to use energy efficiently is increasing significantly worldwide, thus, improving the energy efficiency levels in the building sector has acquired high importance because of their energy saving potential. However, several intervention options are available to achieve high energy efficiency levels in buildings, and the choice must be made considering the efficiency of the solution and the costs involved. Considering this, the present research aimed to develop a parametric study of several energy retrofit solutions for buildings located in the hot-humid climate of Paraguay, in order to analyse their efficiency in terms of comfort rates and cooling energy needs. Furthermore, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is employed as a decision-making method to choose the most suitable intervention considering the investment costs required. Thus, threshold values of thermal transmittance for the building thermal envelope components are established through a parametric study and sensitivity analysis of the simulations results. Considering that Paraguay does not have national building energy codes, the outcomes of this research will constitute a support and contribute for the thermal parameters regulation of buildings aiding to improve the energy efficiency of Paraguayan buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Fabiana Silvero & Fernanda Rodrigues & Sergio Montelpare, 2019. "A Parametric Study and Performance Evaluation of Energy Retrofit Solutions for Buildings Located in the Hot-Humid Climate of Paraguay—Sensitivity Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-27, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:12:y:2019:i:3:p:427-:d:201773
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    1. Jesús Araúz & Dafni Mora & Miguel Chen Austin, 2022. "Assessment of Different Envelope Configurations via Optimization Analysis and Thermal Performance Indicators: A Case Study in a Tropical Climate," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-20, February.
    2. Małgorzata Basińska & Dobrosława Kaczorek & Halina Koczyk, 2021. "Economic and Energy Analysis of Building Retrofitting Using Internal Insulations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-18, April.

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