Optimization of Geometrical Properties Affecting Cooling Energy Demand of Central Courtyards in Hot-Humid Climates A Case Study: Bushehr

Statistics show that ۷۰% of global energy consumption occurs in cities. Bushehr, which is located in the south-west of Iran with a hot and humid climate, has recorded the highest household electricity consumption per capita in recent years. Residential buildings in Bushehr that are courtyard envelopes are constructed regardless of climate while indigenous buildings in the historical texture of Bushehr have a combination of passive solutions responsive to climate conditions and numerous studies have confirmed this. However, compared to typical building forms with the same GSI, FSI and orientation, central courtyard has higher energy consumption from the perspective of the radiation, which is one of the components affecting energy demand. This study was conducted to analyze the effect of geometric properties of the building that affect cooling energy demand in courtyard houses in order to achieve an optimal building form in Bushehr climate. Given the applied nature of the study, a mixed (simulation, descriptive-analytic) method was used. Descriptive-analytic method and univariate analysis were used to collect and analyze data. The effect of these factors on minimizing cooling energy demand was measured using the Honeybee plugin and results suggested that increased FSI and GSI reduced cooling energy demand (kWh/m۲) and the north-south orientation was the optimal one. In the optimization of building form, central courtyard with a high FSI and north-south orientation was selected as the most optimal courtyard house form in Bushehr climate.

Keywords:

Bushehr , Courtyard House , Energy Simulation , Cooling Demand.