Optimizing Specific Energy Performance for a Residence in Composite Climate

Abstract

Artificial cooling is becoming a common and unavoidable feature in residential buildings in India. The associated problems of cooling on energy demand are well known. Climate responsive techniques can aid to reducing energy for cooling and enhancing the efficiency in energy use. In that context the purpose of this research is to investigate the effect on cooling loads by varying material configurations in the envelope design of specific typology of domestic dwellings in Hyderabad (a city in India with composite climate). Post occupancy evaluation on existing dwellings of a particular gated residential enclave was conducted to assess the problems regarding passive heat gains. The study included observational evaluation of site conditions and physical measurements of temperature within the dwellings. Commonalities observed from the case study in the dwellings help set up base case dwelling model with variables obtained from the same dwelling. Using computer simulations techniques, isolated building elements with variations in Material configurations were tested and compared with each other to find which was most beneficial to reduce the cooling load. Recommendations to the specific envelope features supported by the findings are made to enable the groups involved in residential construction practices in Hyderabad make informed choices for developing enhanced residential real-estate.