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A Reference Framework for Zero Energy Districts in Panama Based on Energy Performance Simulations and Bioclimatic Design Methodology

Authors :
Lissette De León
Dafni Mora
Cristina Carpino
Natale Arcuri
Miguel Chen Austin
Source :
Buildings, Vol 13, Iss 2, p 315 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

The need for efficient buildings to contribute to sustainable development has led to the proposal of goals and regulations in different countries linked to net zero energy objectives, following approaches specific to their regions. Such regulations are not yet developed in a developing country such as Panama. Thus, this study develops the first framework for Zero Energy Districts (ZED) in Panama based on passive and active solutions through dynamic simulation. For this, an existing urbanization area consisting of 34 residential buildings, called the existing case (EC), was studied. After undergoing a design based on the bioclimatic methodology, a redesigned case (RC) is proposed to maintain thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption. Key redesign factors are the buildings’ shape, orientation, glazing, the use of shadows, material of the walls, and the air conditioning configuration. Results showed energy consumption decreases by 37.5% when considering all buildings with natural ventilation, reaching ranges of positive net energy (+356.50 kWh/m2y). In the case of nearly ZED in Panama, the ranges could be considered between 14 and 180 kWh/m2y. This balance indicates that there is potential on site to develop zero energy districts.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
13020315 and 20755309
Volume :
13
Issue :
2
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Buildings
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.4fc970cf1ca8475c8db52b30dd85e7e6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13020315