**Dubai:** A study explores eleven design scenarios for a school building, using advanced modelling to reduce energy use, cut carbon emissions, and ensure indoor comfort in Dubai’s hot climate, achieving significant cost savings and enhanced sustainability.
A comprehensive study has been conducted to optimise the energy consumption and environmental impact of a school building in Dubai, focusing on architectural design, material selection, and climatic factors. This study leveraged advanced modelling tools and extensive scenario analysis to propose an energy-efficient and sustainable building design tailored for the unique conditions of Dubai.
The research began by investigating eleven different design scenarios, each varying in floor height, foundation type and height, and roof design, to identify the most energy-efficient configuration. These scenarios evaluated not only structural elements but also incorporated materials and systems such as innovative Phase Change Materials (PCMs), diverse door products, and lighting systems aimed at reducing energy consumption. The optimal design, referred to as Scenario 1, featured a Pier & Beam foundation with a Flat Roof/Deck and reduced floor and foundation heights, effectively lowering the building’s energy demands.
Building Energy Optimization (BEO) software was employed to simulate the school’s yearly heating and cooling loads and overall electricity consumption. This tool, capable of processing extensive building and environmental data, performed 88 simulation runs over more than 17 hours to explore various combinations of construction materials, architectural features, and renewable energy options. The analysis took into account Dubai’s specific climatic variables, including ambient temperature fluctuating between 0 and 50 °C with peak summer temperatures in June and July, wind speeds ranging from 0 to 25 m/s, and solar radiation intensities up to 1200 W/h, highlighting the city’s rich potential for solar and wind energy applications.
The study examined weather parameters in detail, showing that Dubai experiences relatively mild seasonal wind variations, with the windiest month being March and calmest October. Relative humidity and dew point temperatures were monitored hourly, emphasizing their impact on indoor comfort and building energy needs. Maintaining indoor humidity around 45% was identified as crucial for occupant well-being, with lower humidity levels potentially causing health issues such as skin irritation and respiratory discomfort.
Thermal performance analysis recommended maintaining indoor temperatures between 21.5 and 24.5 °C (70 to 76 °F) to ensure a healthy and comfortable environment conducive to student performance. The study highlighted the effects of excessive heat on physical and mental well-being, including risks of heat-related illnesses, underlining the importance of effective heating and cooling control.
Validation of the modelling approach against actual electricity consumption data from a similarly sized school room in Dubai demonstrated good agreement, particularly reflecting high electricity demand during summer due to cooling requirements. The optimised school model showed that cooling loads significantly exceed heating demands, with annual cooling consumption ranging up to 80 kWh and heating demands falling between 0 and 18 kWh, attributable to Dubai’s warm climate and high solar radiation.
Carbon dioxide emission reductions were prominent, with optimised building design and energy management leading to a 0.34% yearly energy saving and an associated annual cost saving of approximately $18,760.35. The study also mapped hourly variations in energy flows across heating, cooling, and electricity use, illustrating the influence of seasonal climatic changes on energy demand.
In evaluating individual environmental factors, ambient temperature, solar radiation, wind speed, and relative humidity were all found to significantly impact heating and cooling consumption patterns. The research underscored the critical role of air conditioning in mitigating the negative effects of heat exposure on student learning, referencing data that link increased school year temperatures to measurable declines in academic achievement, which can be largely counteracted by effective indoor climate control.
Furthermore, the study addressed how environmental conditions directly relate to electricity consumption, emphasizing the importance of understanding these relationships to enhance building energy management and maintain indoor thermal comfort. The use of BEopt software facilitated identifying optimal material and system configurations that align with goals to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, while maintaining functionality and occupant comfort.
In summary, this research offers a detailed, scientifically validated roadmap for designing and optimising school buildings in Dubai and similar hot climates, balancing construction costs, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By integrating advanced materials, responsive architectural designs, and precise climate analyses, the findings present viable strategies for achieving zero-energy building targets in educational infrastructure.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative does not reference specific outdated figures or individuals, suggesting it is relatively current. However, without a specific publication date and based on the methodological approach described, it could be drawing from recent or ongoing research.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
There are no direct quotes present in the narrative, so no verification is necessary.
Source reliability
Score:
5
Notes:
The reliability of the source is unclear since the narrative’s origin (author or publication) is not specified. Typically, studies of this nature are conducted by academic or governmental institutions, but without additional context, it is difficult to assess its credibility.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims regarding energy optimisation and environmental impact in Dubai are plausible due to the city’s well-documented climate challenges. The use of advanced modelling tools and specific climatic data supports the validity of the study’s focus on reducing energy consumption.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
While the study’s focus on energy efficiency in Dubai appears plausible, the lack of detailed source information reduces overall confidence. The absence of direct quotes and specific outdated references suggests some level of freshness and originality. However, further verification of the narrative’s origin and the study’s details is needed for a definitive verdict.
