Analysis of Optimal Energy Supply in the Commercial Buildings: A Herpetarium

Abstract

The commercial buildings have a high potential for saving energy and applying renewable technologies. This research aims to investigate the energy loads analysis in a commercial reptile exhibition building. At first, heating and cooling demand for the reptile garden are calculated. Then, the electricity demand of the reptiles garden including lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation, etc. is calculated. Finally, an optimal combination of the wind and solar energy is analysed based on economic and environmental aspects. It is determined that the wind energy has the least levelized cost of electricity among the scenarios, however, this renewable source cannot supply the amount of electricity needed by the reptile garden. Although solar energy has the most initial cost, it can meet the highest renewable supplies and sell more than 442 MWh electricity to the grid. Moreover, the combination of solar and wind can supply the energy demand of the reptile garden with a lower electricity cost in comparison with the previously mentioned scenarios.