Implementation of BIM Modelling and Simulation Tools in Reducing Annual Energy Consumption of Multifamily Dwellings

Abstract

In current research, building modelling and energy simulation tools were used to analyse and estimate the energy use of dwellings in order to reduce the annual energy use in multifamily dwellings. A three-story residential building located in Kabul city was modelled in Revit and all required parameters for running energy simulation were set. A Total of 126 experiments were conducted to estimate annual energy loads of the building. Different combinations from various components such as walls, roofs, floors, doors, and windows were created and simulated. Ultimately, the most energy efficient option in the context of Afghan dwellings was figured out. The building components consist of different locally available construction materials currently used in buildings in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the best energy efficient option was simulated by varying, building orientation in 15-degree increments and glazing area from 10% to 60% to find the most energy efficient combination. It was found that combination No. 48 was best option from energy conservation point of view and 120-degree rotational angle from north to east, of the existing building was the most energy-efficient option. Also, it was observed that 60% glazing area model consumed 24549 kWh more electricity compared to the one with 10% glazing area.