Optimization of Electrical Energy Consumption for Cooling in CAPFCE School Buildings Located in Hot-Dry Climates
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32870/rvcs.v0i19.330Keywords:
Electricity consumption, Hot-dry climate, CAPFCE school buildings, Energy simulation, Thermal envelope, Air conditioning, User usage patternsAbstract
This study identifies the optimal electrical consumption of cooling systems in five buildings located on the Hermosillo Campus of the Universidad de Sonora, Mexico. These buildings were constructed under the guidelines of the Mexican agency known as the Committee for the Administration of the Federal Program for School Construction (CAPFCE). Originally designed for temperate climates, these buildings were implemented nationwide without consideration for regional climatic conditions. Simulations were conducted using OpenStudio Software with thermostat settings at 17?°C, 24?°C, and 28?°C, evaluating five scenarios: modifications to the building envelope, occupancy levels, lighting systems, door/window openings, and combined strategies. The simulations were validated on-site using a thermographic camera and environmental sensors. Annual values of total and sensible cooling loads were obtained, along with the average indoor operative temperature. Results for the month of August indicated that initial energy consumption without strategies ranged from 26.45 to 12.68 kWh/m². The building envelope accounted for 74–78% of the load, occupants for 20–25%, and lighting, ventilation, and infiltration for less than 2%. After implementing energy-saving strategies, consumption decreased to 22.36–11.42 kWh/m². The most significant reduction was achieved through equipment efficiency improvements (up to 13.26%), followed by wall insulation (1.75%), roof insulation (0.71%), double-glazed windows (0.03%), and optimized ventilation and lighting (1.19%). Increasing the thermostat temperature from 17?°C to 28?°C reduced energy consumption by 25–28%, with greater impact observed in buildings with higher baseline consumption.References
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