Energy Efficient Solutions in Modern Buildings - Group 15

Energy efficient solutions in modern buildings:

Energy crisis is one of the most burning problems that exist in the modern world. All over the world, the attention has been drawn towards the efficient methods of energy consumption. In the building sector the highest energy saving potentials can be realized by energy efficient building design. The energy efficiency of buildings is significantly influenced by architectural design aspects, such as orientation, shape of the building structure, where the openings of windows are located, etc.

In general there are following strategies for the design of energy efficient buildings:

• Minimization of losses

In most buildings, transmission heat losses play an important role for the energy performance of buildings. Depending on the building type (housing, office, schools, etc.) transmission losses can have the highest ratio of all losses. Therefore the first design relevant measure should be the reduction of heating losses by minimization of the shape/volume ratio.

• Maximization of solar gains – Heating case

In the heating period a maximization of passive solar gains should be the main target to reduce the heating energy demand. Optimized interaction of orientation, size of windows and disposable thermal mass are the key elements.

• Minimization of solar gains – Cooling case

Obtaining natural ventilation by wind, natural cooling with passive night ventilation, transparent building elements (windows) are some strategies that can be used in buildings to minimize the energy usage for artificial cooling purposes.

• Minimization of electricity demand for artificial lighting

Besides heating and cooling the energy demand for artificial lighting is of importance for the energetic performance of buildings. Buildings with huge overall width, like office buildings, tend to have substantial energy demand for artificial lighting. The development of innovative daylight concepts is the most important strategy to decrease the energy demand for lighting. Daylight concepts always have to be considered in combination with aspects for heating and cooling.

Active usage of natural solar energy can also be considered as a suitable and eco-friendly energy efficient strategy that can be used for modern building constructions.

Jayawardana P.B.                  162418K
Mendis W.J.S.                         162428P
Nuwangi P.D.                          162429U
Sivapathasundaram A.          162672G
Weerakoon H.D.                     162702C