Theoretical and Numerical Audit of Energy Consumption in an Existing Building under the Environmental Conditions of Pakistan

Abstract

Energy efficiency and conservation are more important to people and the consumption of energy in buildings is one of the core aspects of energy utilization in buildings. The energy audit is an effective method for identifying opportunities for improvement, optimization, and energy conservation. In this paper, an energy audit of an existing building is presented both theoretically and numerically under the environmental conditions of Pakistan. Research efforts emphasized the identification of energy consumption in the current and retrofitted form of a Mosque located at The University of Lahore, Pakistan. To initiate the energy audit, detailed CAD drawings were obtained from the authority concerned. The thermal load calculations were carried out theoretically using energy balance techniques whilst numerically using HAP software and the obtained results were compared for validation. Thermal loads calculated theoretically and numerically were 42.7 tons and 43.7 tons, respectively and it was found that the thermal load calculations determined using both methods were in good agreement. To minimize energy consumption, insulation was added to the walls, roof, and glass. The thermal load calculation results obtained after introducing insulations were 31.02 tons theoretically and 29.7 tons numerically. After comparing the results, it was found that a significant reduction in energy consumption i.e. approx. 30% could be done with minor modifications in the suggested parameters of the existing building.