118 research outputs found
تسليط الضوء على الاستدامة، تعزيز أداء الإضاءة الداخلية في الإمارات العربية المتحدة دراسة حالة جامعة عجمان
No full textThis study explores the prevelance and impact of light pollution indoors at Ajman University, UAE, with particular reference to its implications for health, productivity, and energy efficiency. While light pollution outside has gained much notice, the academic interior is less understood, particularly in hot and arid environments like the UAE. Utilizing the mixed-methods approach field measurements, surveys with students, interviews with faculty, and DIALux simulations the study evaluates the performance of lighting in prominent academic spaces such as Labs, studios, and corridors. Outcomes recognize serious inefficiencies such as poor illuminance (e.g., 120–160 lux in studios vs. the optimal 300–500 lux), uneven light distribution, and excessive glare leading to eye strain, fatigue, and compromised academic performance. Energy audits recognize power densities for lights reaching 16.51 W/m² in some areas. Design suggestions LED retrofitting, daylighting integration, and smart control have the potential for savings of 30–50% with increased visual comfort. Such measures align with the UAE Vision 2050 sustainability targets and provide an example for universities to follow people-focused, energy-efficient lighting schemes. Closing the gap between technical performance and occupants' wellbeing, this research offers a model for enhancing the lighting in learning facilities in arid environments, resulting in healthier and sustainable learning environments
Towards sustainable residential buildings in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No full textResidential buildings are not only a major energy consumer, but also have considerable ecological impact. Quite often, architects can constitute a large part of the problem of tackling climate change. It is notable, however, that architects around the world have recently been encouraged to embrace the principles of sustainable design, which essentially aims to promote a suite of sustainable architectural practices such as those centred on enhancing household energy and water efficiency. Nonetheless, there seems to be a comparatively limited interest in pursuing the sustainability agenda among architects in the Middle East. In addition, there has been a corresponding dearth of academic research on this topic in spite of its apparent importance. This thesis considers the case of Saudi Arabia, and analyses the energy and water consumption of its current residential buildings in the context of two different climatic settings in the country, with the ultimate aim of establishing guidelines towards achieving sustainable architectural practices within the Saudi residential sector . An extensive literature review has been conducted in order to establish a broad understanding of existing sustainable architectural practices around the world. Using available literature, the thesis also examines both the current status of sustainability within the Saudi building sector, and the need for sustainable residential buildings in Saudi Arabia. Current energy and water consumption within two typical Saudi houses (an apartment complex and villa) were analysed using simulation software packages. Next, a number of design-oricntated energy and water conservation measures were suggested, and their serving potential assessed. In addition, especially as for this Ph.D. research, fourteen highly-informed Saudi stakeholders were interviewed in order to both validate the simulation results and to engage in in-depth discussions on ways of making residential buildings within Saudi Arabia more sustainable. Ultimately, a number of barriers that currently impede a transition towards a sustainable residential sector in Saudi Arabia have been identified. The thesis goes further and provides a number of design and non-design related strategies that have the potential to change the status quo with regard to the limited application of sustainable architectural principles within Saudi residential buildings.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo
Using passive cooling strategies to improve thermal performance and reduce energy consumption of residential buildings in U.A.E. buildings
No full textAbstractPassive design responds to local climate and site conditions in order to maximise the comfort and health of building users while minimising energy use. The key to designing a passive building is to take best advantage of the local climate. Passive cooling refers to any technologies or design features adopted to reduce the temperature of buildings without the need for power consumption. Consequently, the aim of this study is to test the usefulness of applying selected passive cooling strategies to improve thermal performance and to reduce energy consumption of residential buildings in hot arid climate settings, namely Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One case building was selected and eight passive cooling strategies were applied. Energy simulation software – namely IES – was used to assess the performance of the building. Solar shading performance was also assessed using Sun Cast Analysis, as a part of the IES software. Energy reduction was achieved due to both the harnessing of natural ventilation and the minimising of heat gain in line with applying good shading devices alongside the use of double glazing. Additionally, green roofing proved its potential by acting as an effective roof insulation. The study revealed several significant findings including that the total annual energy consumption of a residential building in Dubai may be reduced by up to 23.6% when a building uses passive cooling strategies
Urbanizing the deserts of Dubai: An outdoor thermal comfort case study of Dubai International Academic City, UAE
No full textThe urbanization of deserts in Dubai is one way in which this city can expand and explore its full potential. In this piece of research, a case study of the Dubai International Academic City was used as a basis from which to study the impact and importance of planning and orientation of projects in open unpopulated land. It demonstrates the various alternatives for project orientation relative to the sun and wind, its effects on temperature and wind readings and consequently on outdoor thermal comfort levels. ENVI-met was used to simulate various scenarios generated from the existing base case in both summer and winter. The orientation which best promoted and allowed for higher wind flow through the project was found to record the best outdoor Predicted Mean Vote levels, approaching the neutral state. The findings of this research may be used for setting up regulations regarding the planning of desert areas in Dubai on the basis of early assessment of designs. Keywords: thermal comfort, PMV, urban planning, orientation, ENVI-met, Dubai. 1 Introduction Urban outdoor spaces have implications on the people using them. Architects today strive to design outdoor corridors and urban spaces rather than having them either emerge accidentally, or as a by-product of design. Outdoor spaces must be utilised to their full potential, or else the need for such spaces may be completely eliminated and they could become disregarded as a favourable space for people to use. Outdoor spaces, or \“urban in-between spaces”, need just as much attention and thought in their design as indoor spaces. In urbanizing empt
Natural ventilation as energy efficient solution for achieving low-energy houses in Dubai
No full textIn the hot climate of Dubai, there is potential for harnessing natural ventilation to maintain an acceptable indoor environment. This would also help in reducing costs, excessive use of energy and the consequential environmental effects of year-round air conditioning. Given the limited amount of relevant studies in this oil-rich region, this paper investigates the potential energy saving prospects of integrating natural ventilation with air conditioning systems into the residential buildings of Dubai. A real villa has been chosen to act as a case study for this research. A detailed analysis of the annual energy performance of the case study has been performed through the use of a computerised simulation, the results of which were verified with and checked against actual utility bills for a whole year. The energy consumption of the base case study has been compared with that resulting from different natural ventilation strategies. This was supplemented with a CFD analysis to examine wind circulation. All in all, the paper provides informed insights with regard to the potential savings of various ventilation strategies in a hot climatic context
Experimental Assessment of Different Sealing Methods for Windows to Improve Building Airtightness in UAE Residential Buildings
No full textIf infiltration is uncontrolled and admits unconditioned air, the results will be undesirable. Controlling this problem will increase thermal comfort and decrease energy consumption. The aim of this paper is to assess the performance of different materials used to improve airtightness, which will increase energy efficiency. This research primarily adopted an experimental approach. A typical residential building in UAE was chosen as a case study. Current airtightness status was measured using a blower door test and infrared technique. Six commonly used materials used for airtightness in UAE were identified and applied in different zones of the building envelope, including exterior walls, door and windows. The test was run before implementing airtightness strategies, following which they were applied for one year. Overall performance and energy reduction were monitored to identify how consumption fell by which method was the most efficient. The results indicate that energy was 3% when applying the 6 different airtightness strategies. The base case energy consumption was 64,287 kWh per year. The energy consumption then decreased after applying the sealants to 62,341 kWh per year. Future recommendations are made to enhance airtightness in residential buildings in a hot and arid climate
Towards sustainable buildings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
No full textThis paper assesses the energy and water use practices of existing residential buildings
in Saudi Arabia, with the ultimate aim of establishing guidelines for delivering
sustainable architecture in the near future. In order to achieve this overall aim, the
current status of a typical Saudi residence is thoroughly investigated, in terms of energy
and water consumption, using simulation software packages. The paper then examines
the prospects for applying various means to manage energy and consumption more
sustainably. In essence, this research identifies several design-related faults common to
Saudi Arabian house design. These faults contribute to an inefficient use of energy and
domestic water resources. Finally, the paper puts forward a set of recommendations
and guidelines, design-related and otherwise, in order to enhance the sustainability
level of Saudi residential building
Natural Ventilation as Energy Efficient Solution for Achieving Low-Energy Houses in Dubai
No full textIn the hot climate of Dubai, there is potential for harnessing natural ventilation to maintain an acceptable indoor environment. This would also help in reducing costs, excessive use of energy and the consequential environmental effects of year-round air conditioning. Given the limited amount of relevant studies in this oil-rich region, this paper investigates the potential energy saving prospects of integrating natural ventilation with air conditioning systems into the residential buildings of Dubai. A real villa has been chosen to act as a case study for this research. A detailed analysis of the annual energy performance of the case study has been performed through the use of a computerised simulation, the results of which were verified with and checked against actual utility bills for a whole year. The energy consumption of the base case study has been compared with that resulting from different natural ventilation strategies. This was supplemented with a CFD analysis to examine wind circulation. All in all, the paper provides informed insights with regard to the potential savings of various ventilation strategies in a hot climatic context
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