Modified shape coefficient of building with Thermal considerations: concept, experiment and Application in solar-enriched areas

Abstract

The shape coefficient of building (SCB) characterizes the correlation between building shape and building energy consumption. Strictly restricting the SCB was harmful to reducing energy consumption, neglecting the potential benefits of solar radiation. A novel concept and determining method of modified shape coefficient of building (MSCB) were proposed based on the energy dissipating and solar heat gain. Field measurements of the indoor air temperature of model buildings for solar radiation, building orientations, and U-values under natural and heating conditions were conducted in western Sichuan. Results demonstrated that with identical SCB, the indoor thermal environment was substantially affected by the above parameters, proving the one-sidedness of SCB simultaneously. A simulation method verified via the experiments was employed to forecast the dynamic heating load of a real building. The influence of building orientations on the MSCB under actual climatic conditions from different time scales was discussed. Results illustrated that the SCB could be reduced by 34.6% in the present case. The monthly correction factor trend and the heat consumption were consistent. The restriction on SCB could be liberalized moderately even if the heating demand was tremendous. This research could provide a reference for the energy-saving design of passive buildings.

Keywords

• high-altitude alpine region
• shape coefficient of building
• building energy conservation
• solar radiation
• building simulation