Browsing by Author "Chen Austin, Miguel"

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Buildings Energy Consumption and Thermal Comfort Assessment using Weather and Microclimate data: A Numerical Approach in Humid-Tropical Climate
(LACCEI Inc., 2021-07) Rodríguez Maure, Katherine; Mora, Dafni; Chen Austin, Miguel
A numerical approach between standard weather and urban microclimate data has been analyzed. This study applies a methodology that integrates microclimatic boundary conditions to predict energy cooling demand. It was evaluated in the climatic context by coupling ENVImet and DesignBuilder (EnergyPlus). The coupling was explored at urban scale in Panama, tested for a case study considering morphological configuration, construction materials, occupation profiles, and equipment usage. Results show an average difference percentage of 5.07% in cooling demand when the microclimatic weather data is considered. Also, resulting indoor operative temperature indicated that thermal comfort levels are not achieved, which natural ventilation is not a suitable strategy to be implemented even at night hours.
Energy consumption influenced by occupant behavior: A study in residential buildings in Panama
(LACCEI Inc., 2021-07) Chen Austin, Miguel; Arnedo, Luisa; Yuil, Olga; Mora, Dafni
To propose a framework to assess the influence of occupants’ behavior in the energy consumption within the residential sector in a case study in Panama, this work investigates the actual situation regarding building internal characteristics and energy consumption of two types of residential buildings to help built a database. An experimental study was carried out in Panama City, tropical climate, where four houses and three apartments were instrumented in terms of indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity, employing wireless data loggers. As a complement, to collect general households' data and energy consumption, i.e., electric bills, a survey constituted of 43 questions accompanied with small incentives was implemented. With a return response rate of 39.6%, it was possible to show that occupants’ behavior and preferences were the critical causes of higher electrical consumption since ACs were frequently set at temperatures within the lower values of standard comfort limits.
Influence of Arborization in Building Energy Consumption and Thermal Comfort: A Numerical Study in Tropical Climate
(LACCEI Inc., 2021-07) Austin Ortega, Daniel; Jiménez, José Ulises; Mora, Dafni; Chen Austin, Miguel
Throughout the years the human has managed to adapt to its environment by empirically applying bioclimatic design strategies, which has allowed it to survive over the years. Today these strategies have been studied and perfected. This paper shows the direct relationship between different tree configurations and the decrease in electricity consumption, comparing internal gains, electricity consumption, humidity percentage, and PMV index, using dynamic simulations. Results showed evidence of one of the many benefits that arborization entails, the inclusion of trees in the microclimate of a building has a significant and positive influence on the performance of both thermal comfort and electricity consumption. A tree planting strategy configured as a barrier to prevailing winds (in front of the facades with windows) allows obtaining the best results.
Towards a Definition for Zero Energy Districts in Panama: A Numerical Assessment of Passive and Active Strategies
(LACCEI Inc., 2021-07) De Leon, Lissette; Cedeño, Miguel; Mora, Dafni; Chen Austin, Miguel
Buildings, both in their construction and operation stages, represent a significant percentage of global energy use and carbon dioxide emissions; therefore, it is necessary to implement energy efficiency regulations, both individually and at the urban and city scale. Thus, this research involves a numerical evaluation of bioclimatic and energy solutions to achieve zero energy district (or ZED) in Panama. The research objectives are focused on identifying the factors that most influence energy consumption, systematizing the solutions found, and establishing a preliminary definition of ZED for Panama. By analyzing of a neighborhood (here referred as district) in Chitré, Herrera (base model) and optimizing the variables with the greatest impact on energy consumption, a saving of 31% was found. Finally, the inclusion of solar electricity generation was such that it was possible to cover 100% of the demand, having a positive net balance of 325 kWh/m2y that can be exported to another district or to an intelligent electrical grid system.