Maximizing Energy Performance in Hot and Humid Climates: Passive Cooling Techniques for Gulf Area Buildings

Abstract

This study aims to introduce a process for reducing energy consumption —and improving building performance in hot and humid climates. The study investigated the effects of various variables on the energy consumption of a building in Bushehr city, located in a hot and humid climate, considering the passive design process. After selecting building elongation and orientation variables, window-to-wall ratio, shading, creating openings in the south wall and terraces using different brickwork patterns, placing a central courtyard, choosing suitable materials for the desired climate, and creating a schedule according to air temperature for heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment in different seasons of the year, simulations were conducted using DESIGNBUILDER software to check their sensitivity. The results showed that by applying changes and optimization in the mentioned variables, the energy consumption of the whole building decreased from the initial state of design with the defaults of Design Builder software 502.19 kWh/m2 to 348.91 kWh/m2. This significant reduction in energy consumption demonstrates that changes in variables and optimization of building design in hot and humid climates can have significant effects on reducing energy consumption.