Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco
In this paper, an optimization-based analysis approach is presented to cost-effectively improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Morocco. This study introduces a unique focus on the Moroccan context, where a comprehensive application of energy efficiency optimization has not yet bee...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Buildings |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3915 |
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| author | Karim Boumlik Rafik Belarbi Mohammed Ahachad Mustapha Mahdaoui Hassan Radoine Moncef Krarti |
| author_facet | Karim Boumlik Rafik Belarbi Mohammed Ahachad Mustapha Mahdaoui Hassan Radoine Moncef Krarti |
| author_sort | Karim Boumlik |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | In this paper, an optimization-based analysis approach is presented to cost-effectively improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Morocco. This study introduces a unique focus on the Moroccan context, where a comprehensive application of energy efficiency optimization has not yet been undertaken. This analysis considers the interactive effects among various energy efficiency measures to determine optimal combinations for designing high-energy performance, as well as net-zero energy, residential buildings for six climate zones in Morocco. In particular, the design analysis approach combines a whole-building simulation with the sequential search technique, providing a novel, integrated cost–benefit analysis that minimizes lifecycle costs (LCC) while maximizing energy savings for each climate zone. This study also includes an unprecedented comparison of optimized designs, reference designs, and current Moroccan building regulations (RTCM), highlighting potential improvements to the existing regulatory framework. While the sequential search method has been applied elsewhere, its specific application to achieve net-zero energy homes in the Moroccan context with comparable LCC is a new contribution. The analysis results show that houses in Morocco can be cost-effectively designed to achieve annual energy savings of 51% for Zone 1, 53% for Zone 2, 60% for Zone 3, 67% for Zone 4, 54% for Zone 5, and 56% for Zone 6 compared to the current construction practices considered as reference designs. Moreover, the results indicate that houses can reach net-zero energy building designs with almost the same LCC as the reference design cases for all the climate zones in Morocco. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-612d76444f0f43a1b751f6f8eba02947 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-612d76444f0f43a1b751f6f8eba029472025-08-20T02:53:23ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-12-011412391510.3390/buildings14123915Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in MoroccoKarim Boumlik0Rafik Belarbi1Mohammed Ahachad2Mustapha Mahdaoui3Hassan Radoine4Moncef Krarti5SAP+D/Citinnov, Mohamed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir 43150, MoroccoLaboratoire des Sciences de l’Ingénieur Pour l’Environnement, University of La Rochelle, Avenue Michel Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle, FranceMaterials, Systems and Energy Engineering Laboratory (MaSEEL), FST of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Tetouan 90040, MoroccoUniversity Polytechnique Hauts-de-France, CNRS, UMR 8201—LAMIH, 59313 Valenciennes, FranceSAP+D/Citinnov, Mohamed VI Polytechnic University, Benguerir 43150, MoroccoBuilding Energy Smart Technologies (BEST) Center, Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering Department, CB 428, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USAIn this paper, an optimization-based analysis approach is presented to cost-effectively improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings in Morocco. This study introduces a unique focus on the Moroccan context, where a comprehensive application of energy efficiency optimization has not yet been undertaken. This analysis considers the interactive effects among various energy efficiency measures to determine optimal combinations for designing high-energy performance, as well as net-zero energy, residential buildings for six climate zones in Morocco. In particular, the design analysis approach combines a whole-building simulation with the sequential search technique, providing a novel, integrated cost–benefit analysis that minimizes lifecycle costs (LCC) while maximizing energy savings for each climate zone. This study also includes an unprecedented comparison of optimized designs, reference designs, and current Moroccan building regulations (RTCM), highlighting potential improvements to the existing regulatory framework. While the sequential search method has been applied elsewhere, its specific application to achieve net-zero energy homes in the Moroccan context with comparable LCC is a new contribution. The analysis results show that houses in Morocco can be cost-effectively designed to achieve annual energy savings of 51% for Zone 1, 53% for Zone 2, 60% for Zone 3, 67% for Zone 4, 54% for Zone 5, and 56% for Zone 6 compared to the current construction practices considered as reference designs. Moreover, the results indicate that houses can reach net-zero energy building designs with almost the same LCC as the reference design cases for all the climate zones in Morocco.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3915lifecycle cost analysisenergy efficiencynet-zero energy buildingoptimizationresidential buildingsrooftop PV |
| spellingShingle | Karim Boumlik Rafik Belarbi Mohammed Ahachad Mustapha Mahdaoui Hassan Radoine Moncef Krarti Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco Buildings lifecycle cost analysis energy efficiency net-zero energy building optimization residential buildings rooftop PV |
| title | Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco |
| title_full | Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco |
| title_fullStr | Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco |
| title_full_unstemmed | Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco |
| title_short | Design Optimization of Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Morocco |
| title_sort | design optimization of energy efficient residential buildings in morocco |
| topic | lifecycle cost analysis energy efficiency net-zero energy building optimization residential buildings rooftop PV |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3915 |
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