Simulation Study of Effect of Using Locally Defined Thermal Conditions on Energy Demand in Hot-Arid Regions

This research paper deals with reducing energy demand in residential buildings by experimenting different scenarios using TRNSYS as a simulation tool. the focus here lies on the differences between indoor design temperatures defined by the building codes and the adaptive comfort criteria defined for the hot arid climate in Iraq in field survey. Different scenarios were tested for buildings with different window types shading and insulation. The results showed a potential of energy savings up to 61% for heating and cooling. Over 40% energy savings could be achieved by regulating the heating and cooling design temperatures.