Energetic and exergetic design evaluations of a building block based on a hybrid solar envelope method

Abstract

To achieve sustainable development, there needs to be a focus on decreasing use of non-renewable energy sources and greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, many studies focus on the strong relationship between energy and the environment. This study aimed to introduce the exergy analysis method into the urban planning field to find out the amount of exergy, rather than energy, that can be conserved in a building block when a solar envelope-based design is applied. In addition to the known energy-efficient design parameters, a criterion for the solar envelop method is integrated into a single method. This hybrid method includes taking into account the requirements for orientation, spacing, landscaping, and building form, as well as the building height properties as proposed in the solar envelop method. The solar envelop method depends on understanding the changing position of the sun throughout the day and year. If this dynamic behavior can be a factor in the design of an urban area, environmental friendliness, sustainability, and reduced energy consumption can comprehensively be achieved in cities.