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Thermal Energy Performance Simulation of a Residential Building Retrofitted with Passive Design Strategies: A Case Study in Mexico

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  • Ana Paola Vargas

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Anáhuac México, Avenida Universidad Anáhuac 46, Col. Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, Estado de México, Mexico)

  • Leon Hamui

    (Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Anáhuac México, Avenida Universidad Anáhuac 46, Col. Lomas Anáhuac, Huixquilucan 52786, Estado de México, Mexico)

Abstract

High energy consumption as a result of an inefficient design has both economic and environmental repercussions throughout the life cycle of a building. In Mexico, the residential sector is the third-largest final energy consumer, therefore improving the performance of existing buildings is considered an effective method in achieving energy savings. Moreover, in Mexico warm climate regions predominate, which impacts energy consumption. This article examines a linked, single-family house located in the hot-humid climate city of Villahermosa, Tabasco (México). DesignBuilder software was used to conduct the thermal energy performance simulation of the existing building (base case) and to evaluate the energy-saving potentials by implementing different passive design strategies. As a result, the annual electricity consumption of the base case decreased a maximum of 2.0% with the passive design strategy in exterior windows, 4.9% in walls and, 13.7% reduction in roofs, the latter being the enclosure with the greatest reduction achieved. Nevertheless, a final adaptation proposal with the passive design strategies, whose results represented the highest energy savings, accomplished a total reduction of 23.5% with a payback period of 5.8 years.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Paola Vargas & Leon Hamui, 2021. "Thermal Energy Performance Simulation of a Residential Building Retrofitted with Passive Design Strategies: A Case Study in Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:8064-:d:597273
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Ning Li & Zhechen Peng & Jian Dai & Ziwei Li, 2022. "Performance-Oriented Passive Design Strategies for Shape and Envelope Structure of Independent Residential Buildings in Yangtze River Delta Suburbs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-18, April.
    2. Jingtao Li & Zhixin Li & Yao Wang & Hong Zhang, 2023. "Energy Utilization and Carbon Reduction Potential of Solar Energy in Residential Blocks: A Case Study on a Tropical High-Density City in China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-25, August.
    3. Elaouzy, Youssef & El Fadar, Abdellah, 2023. "Sustainability of building-integrated bioclimatic design strategies depending on energy affordability," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 179(C).

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