Powering Tomorrow's Buildings: The Role of Renewable Energy in Architecture
Powering Tomorrow's Buildings:
The Role of Renewable Energy in Architecture
Architecture Engineering 2023/2024_2
Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology University of Pécs
Nahdiya Bella Pertiwi – FIOWVO - Lectures on Theory of Architectural DesignLecturer: Rácz Tamás - Submission date: 26 April 2024
Abstract
This essay explores how architectural design has changed, with a particular emphasis on how the use of renewable energy sources is laying the groundwork for a green revolution. The narrative digs into the historical context of architectural energy practices and using conventional approaches to emphasize the imperative nature of shifting towards sustainable alternatives. The applications of solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass energy sources are discussed in detail, along with the subtle factors that must be considered for successful architectural implementation.
In the context of energy-efficient architectural design, natural ventilation, passive solar strategies, and the thoughtful application of environmentally friendly building materials are emphasized. The essay sheds light on successful narratives by thoroughly examining case studies, highlighting the concrete effects of integrating renewable energy sources on sustainability, overall building efficiency, and the impacts on both aesthetic and environmental aspects.
The challenges inherent in this paradigm shift are dissected, addressing economic, technical, and regulatory obstacles. Forward-looking insights predict emerging trends and innovations, providing a glimpse into the future of sustainable architecture. In order to create a sustainable future, "Powering Tomorrow's Buildings" calls for a fundamental shift in architectural methods and a comprehensive and harmonious relationship between renewable energy sources and the built environment.
Table of contents
Abstract Table of contents
1. Introduction
1.1Background
2. Historical Perspective on the Architecture and Energy
2.2 Traditional Architecture Approaches
2.3 Evolution of Energy Usage in Architecture
3. Renewable Energy Sources
3.1 Solar Energy Applications
3.2 Wind Energy
3.3 Geothermal Energy
3.4 Biomass Energy
4. Energy efficient architectural design principles
4.1 Passive Solar Design
4.1.1 Orientation and Shading
4.1.2 Insulation
4.2 Daylighting and Natural Ventilation
5. Case Study of Renewable Energy Integration
5.1 Bullitt Centre, Seattle, USA
6. Advantages and Impacts of Renewable Energy in Architecture
6.1 Environmental Benefits
6.2 Economic Benefits
6.3 Social and Cultural Impacts
7. Conclusion
01 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Renewable energy integration in architecture has emerged as a crucial aspect of sustainable design, reflecting the global shift towards environmentally conscious practices. This integration seeks to harness natural resources such as sunlight, wind, water, and geothermal heat to power buildings, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and mitigating environmental impact.
Historically, architecture has been closely intertwined with energy consumption. Traditional buildings often relied heavily on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels for heating, cooling, and electricity. However, the growing recognition of climate change and resource depletion has prompted a reevaluation of architectural practices. Renewable energy technologies offer a viable solution to reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, and create more resilient built environments.
The integration of renewable energy in architecture extends beyond energy production to encompass holistic design principles that prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Passive solar design, daylighting strategies, high-performance building envelopes, and energy-efficient technologies complement renewable energy systems to create low-carbon buildings that optimize occupant comfort and well-being while minimizing environmental impact.
In conclusion, renewable energy integration in architecture represents a paradigm shift towards sustainable and resilient built environments. By harnessing natural resources and adopting innovative design strategies, architects can mitigate climate change, reduce energy consumption, and promote a more harmonious relationship between the built environment and the natural world. Embracing renewable energy in architecture is not only a pragmatic response to environmental challenges but also an opportunity to redefine the role of buildings in shaping a more sustainable future.
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON THE ARCHITECTURE AND ENERGY
2.2 Traditional Architecture Approaches
Understanding the changes that have been made over time to enhance comfort and maximize energy efficiency requires a study of the historical evolution of energy-efficient buildings. Throughout history, each era has introduced new ideas or improved existing methods, with modern renewable energy systems having a surprisingly long history.
Some vernacular houses have each own “home design” which utilize the energy efficient throughout the passive design principles since the technology was not invented during that time. Each region has the design which characterize by their local climate, nature and culture. Here are some examples of the vernacular architecture which implements the energy efficient architecture design:
A. Polar region
The typical polar region home is called igloo which built in a spiral order and dug a bit below the surface so that it can minimize the heat loss. And the internal space is covered with animal skin and fur as the thermal insulation.
B. Tundra region
The ventilation of this traditional movable house is operated via opening on the top and can be extended during summer season by lifting the lower layers.
C. Mountain region
The barn which protects the animals is situated around the living space and so supplies a preheated buffer zone around it with eliminating heat loss. The orientation is generally toward south/southwestern.
D. Continental region
This is kind of cave house which utilize the sun using the porch that is oriented on the south side so that it provides shading during summer and let the sun reach inside during winter. Adobe is the main material which can balance the temperature of the house.
There are other examples of this vernacular architecture from each region (coastal, Mediterranean, subtropical, tropical, savanna, steppe, desert region) which can be learned how they use the passive design solutions to optimise the energy usage within the house.
2.3 Evolution of Energy Usage in Architecture
Energy efficiency is a problem that has always existed in latent form, but it came to attention in the 19th century when the major sciences experienced a profound divergence and assumed their current form. Through media, standardization, and regulation, the 20th century contributed to the acceptance of the value of energy efficiency in society. In the majority of scientific and technological fields, there are pervasive energy-related challenges in the 21st century.
In the last decade of the 19th century, the scientific works in the building field implied studies of the thermal insulation effect in the heat transfer domain, formation and transport of the moisture in the walls, multilayer configurations of windows, etc. At this time, the preheating of the air at the service room located in the basement became a common method. In this way the ventilation process was being initialized by convective circulation of the air towards the top floors. At the beginning of the 20th century, the researchers already had the theoretical and technological foundations to achieve naturally the desire of a future energy efficient house.
Oil crisis from 1973 determined the amplification of the interest in buildings energy efficiency. People become more preoccupied about air tightness of buildings, super-insulation, and heat recovery in ventilation system, use of triple pane windows and passive technologies that mainly were oriented to the use of thermal energy from the sun. In this time, the older concepts are redefined by newer ones described by Brenda and Robert Vale: self-sufficient houses, autonomous house and green house.
In 1992, the first energy autonomous house designed by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy from Freiburg, Germany was built. Due to a great insulation and of the solar energy technologies, the house was able to cover its own needs without the help of external energy sources.
The intelligent building concept has started emerging since 1980 when several buildings gradually integrated the control of various equipment and systems. Initially, the automated systems implemented in buildings were dedicated separately to each machine and later their complexity was capable to control multiple systems.
03 RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
3.1 Solar Energy
The sun is an unlimited source of light and heat energy. The basic principle in the designs for using solar energy in buildings is as follows. The flow of thermal energy of the sun through conduction, convection, and radiation is used. These natural processes are managed through a building design that helps to warm up and cool the building.
3.1.1
1The use of passive solar system
a. Solar Heating
The goal of passive solar heating systems is to capture the sun's warm inside the building's components and to discharge that warm amid periods when the sun is missing, whereas too keeping up a comfortable room temperature. The program utilizes three key components; collectors, storers, and distributors. Sun powered vitality is captured by the collectors and changed over. Converted changed
over into warm. In passive solar building design, windows, walls, and floors are made to gather, store, reflect, and distribute solar energy, within the form of heat within the winter and reject solar heat within the summer. This is often called passive solar design since, not at all like active solar heating systems, it does not include the utilize of mechanical and electrical devices.
b. Natural Lighting
Seventeen percent of all energy used in the world is consumed for lighting purposes. With the right design, 70% of the lighting needs can be obtained from the sun. The utilize of daylight as much as possible within the light of spaces in buildings according to visual comfort needs decreases the require for artificial lighting. It empowers the buildings to consume less energy during the utilization process. Below are the five essential systems for capture natural light.
Skylight
Sheds
Laterinins
Domes
Atriums
Solar tubes
3.1.2
The use of active solar system
Active systems using solar energy are the systems consisting of the full of the mechanical and/or electronic components which change over the solar radiation absorbed by the purpose-produced collectors into the specified form of energy and allow it to be utilized within the structure. Through these systems, solar radiation can be changed into heat and electrical energy.
a. Solar heating
The common working principle of heating systems is based on the collection of heat by implies of collectors, storage, and distribution of the collected heat energy to the related areas in order to utilize it afterward. Solar active heating systems are utilized in buildings for utilize/ warming of pool water, preheating of air-conditioning air, solar cooking, and space warming.
b. Electricity
Photovoltaic (PV) systems are all components that create power from solar radiation through collectors and allow the utilize of this energy. PV systems are utilized for the generation of power in numerous distinctive areas such as street lighting, lighthouses, vehicles, buildings, and control plants, with different or basic configurations. A photovoltaic framework produces electrical energy, stores the created energy when necessary, and dependably exchanges it to the areas of use.
3.2 Wind Energy
Wind energy may be a sort of renewable energy gotten from the wind, or in other words from the movement of air masses transferring from areas of high climatic weight to nearby areas of lower climatic weight, with speeds corresponding to the pressure slope.
3.2.1 The use of Passive Wind Energy
Passive cooling aims to keep the building from becoming overly hot. Passive cooling involves using straightforward methods to stay comfortable without relying on powered devices. Certain things are needed in a building to keep people healthy and able to work well. These things should be balanced and not need a lot of energy to use. Ventilation that comes from natural ways is very important for making a comfortable temperature and clean air inside.
Various ways to keep things cool without using any extra energy were created for different types of weather. Some of these methods include shading, reflecting sunlight, insulating buildings, cooling the ground, using wind or water, evaporating water, removing moisture from the air, using the cold from the night, and storing cold for later use.
There are various ways to efficiently cool a space, which depend on factors such as location, weather, available resources, and budget. You can use these methods alone or together.
3.2.2 The use of Active Wind Energy
Wind energy is the change of kinetic energy of air mass into mechanical energy. Wind energy is characteristic, boundless, does not create waste during utilize, has no radioactive impact and so has no negative affect on nature and human wellbeing, and could be a quick energy source of technological development. Active wind energy use systems are wind turbines.
4. Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy comes from the heat trapped underground that escapes through cracks in the earth. On occasion, we may obtain hot water, a combination of hot water and water vapor, or steam from beneath the earth's surface.
Geothermal energy can be used in three ways: with heat pumps, in-well heat exchangers, and heat pipes. Heat pipes are often used in buildings. Heat can also be taken out of the ground at regular temperatures with a device called a heat pump. Geothermal energy can also be used by using the temperature of the soil.
It is also possible to use the temperature difference between the surface and the subsoil to heat and cool buildings. The pipes carry air to the building's air conditioning system or can be used to heat water. If the ground is warmer than the air, the heat pump will bring heat from the ground to the building. It can also work the other way around, taking heat from the air in a building and sending it into the ground to make the building cooler.
4. Biomass Energy
All living things get energy from the sun. That's why all living things have energy inside them, and it comes out when they are burned. Plants use sunlight to make food and grow, creating a lot of plant material called biomass.
Biomass energy technology focuses on utilizing various types of plants and animal and urban waste for energy production such as; wood (energy forests and tree residues), oilseed plants (sunflower, rapeseed, soy, etc.), carbohydrate plants (potato, wheat, corn, beet, etc.), fiber plants (flax, kenaf, hemp, sorghum, etc.), vegetable residues (branches, stalks, straw, roots, bark, etc.), animal wastes.
ENERGY EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES
The energy efficiency of a building can be reached utilizing the passive design strategies that refers to as set of design approaches that focus on utilising the natural environment to provide heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting to a building. The aim of passive design is it create a comfortable and energy efficient indoor environment while minimising the use of mechanical systems and reducing the building’s energy consumption which indirectly saving the nature environment. Below are some principles of passive design:
4.1 Passive solar Design
Passive solar energy uses solar power to keep an infrastructure safe and comfortable without relying too much on mechanical equipment for provide light, heat, electricity and even cooling. This utilizes the windows, walls, and floor to collect, store, reflect and distribute the solar energy within the building. The key for implementing these principles is by having accurate site analysis of its local climate and environment.
Passive solar heating acquires and save the sun’s heat by the building material and considering the roof slope. While passive solar cooling reduces the building’s heat by shading and air movement by implementing the coatings on interior and exterior, windows, and roof. BUILDINGS
4.3 Orientation and Shading
Orientation means figuring out the best way to put a building on its land so it gets the most sunlight and wind. This can help save energy and make the inside of a building more comfortable by blocking out direct sunlight and letting in fresh air.
By placing the building to receive more sunlight during the winter and less during the summer, we can minimize the use of heating and cooling systems and improve indoor comfort. In the same way, if the building is positioned to use the natural wind, it can be made comfortable inside without using machines to ventilate.
Furthermore, Appropriate shading which can include eaves, awnings, shutters, and plantings can maximise thermal comfort by allowing in winter sun but blocking summer rays. The most appropriate strategy will differ with climate and orientation.
4.3 Insulation
Insulation helps keep buildings warm in winter and cool in summer by stopping heat from escaping or entering. This helps to make inside comfortable and saves energy for heating and cooling. - Adding insulation to a building's walls, roof, floor, and windows can help control the flow of heat in and out of the building. The type of insulation and its thickness required for a building's warmth depend on factors such as its location, type, and desired energy efficiency.
4. 4 Daylighting and Natural Ventilation
Good airflow helps keep the air inside clean, reduces pollution, and makes the inside of a building more comfortable. It can also help cool and heat a building by letting fresh air in and letting used air out.
In the construction of ventilation systems, it's important to consider the location and dimensions of openings, utilize shading to reduce sun exposure, and evaluate the building's thermal insulation
05
CASE STUDIES OF RENEWABLE ENERGY INTEGRATION
Downtown Seattle, USA is home to the Bullitt Center, an environmentally friendly and innovative building. This well-known office building, completed in 2013, demonstrates environmentally sustainable construction practices.The Bullitt Center commits to being environmentally friendly by following the Living Building Challenge. It aims to not only reduce its impact on the environment but also to help improve its surroundings.
From its striking architectural design to its meticulous integration of renewable energy systems and cutting-edge green technologies, the Bullitt Center aspires to be the world's greenest commercial building. Here are some other features of the building utilizing the renewable energy in its passive design
1. Natural Ventilation: The Bullitt Center uses natural air flow to keep the building cool instead of using machines to cool it down. To ensure proper air circulation, windows and vents are positioned in different areas of the building to facilitate the entry of fresh air and the release of hot air. This helps to keep the building cool when the weather is nice.
2. Solar Orientation: The building is designed and positioned to get the most sunlight. The big roof facing south is perfect for catching the sun's energy for making solar power. The building is designed to make sure that the solar panels get lots of sunlight all day. It does this by avoiding shade from other buildings or trees nearby.
3. Daylighting: The building's design helps to let in as much natural light as possible. Big windows, skylights, and light shelves are carefully placed to bring in lots of daylight to the building. This helps to lower the use of artificial lights during the day and makes it more comfortable for people inside.
4. Shading: Exterior shading devices like horizontal louvers, vertical fins, and brisesoleil are built into the building to stop too much sun from coming in and making it too hot or bright, especially on the side facing the sun. These shading techniques help use the sun's light while reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting.
5. Insulation: The Bullitt Center is built to keep heat inside during the winter and to keep it out during the summer. It has good insulation and is sealed tightly to save energy. Good insulation and sealing techniques help make buildings use less energy for heating and cooling.
“This building has been nominated as the greenest commercial building in the world “
In addition to passive design principles, the Bullitt Center also incorporates active design strategies to further enhance its sustainability and energy efficiency. Here are some of the active design principles applied in the building:
1. Solar Panel: Renewable energy sources play a large role in powering the Bullitt Center in Seattle.One of its main features is the solar panels on the roof, which convert sunlight into electricity. The purpose of this solar panel system is to provide a significant portion of the building's energy needs, ultimately resulting in a decreased reliance on grid electricity and a smaller carbon footprint for the building.
2 Energy-saving HVAC Systems: The Bullitt Center uses highefficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to keep the building comfortable and maintain good indoor air quality, even though it also uses passive design to reduce the need for mechanical heating and cooling. These systems use special technology to use energy more efficiently and keep the air inside buildings fresh and healthy.
06 ADVANTAGES AND IMPACTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN ARCHITECTURE
6.1 Environmental Benefits
a. Reduced Carbon Emission: The adoption of renewable energy sources in buildings aids in minimizing the release of greenhouse gases, contributing to environmental preservation. Renewable energy like solar, wind, and hydro power make electricity without releasing pollution. This helps fight climate change and makes the air cleaner. Unlike fossil fuels, which produce a lot of pollution when burned for energy.
b. Resource Conservation: Renewable energy is derived from sustainable natural sources like sunlight, wind, and water, rather than depletable fossil fuels. Architecture uses renewable energy to reduce the need for limited resources, saving them for the future and helping to make sure we can keep living sustainably for a long time.
c. Climate Resilience: As the effects of climate change get worse, it's really important to switch to renewable energy to make our planet stronger against climate change. Renewable energy is better at handling extreme weather and other climate changes. It can still provide energy even when the weather is tough.
6.2 Economic Benefits
a. Cost savings: Although it may cost more to install renewable energy systems in buildings at first, they can save money in the long run. Solar panels and wind turbines make electricity without needing a lot of money to keep working. This can save money on electricity bills for a long time. This can help building owners and tenants save a lot of money, especially as energy prices keep going up.
b. Job Creation: The renewable energy industry makes a lot of jobs and helps the economy grow. People can work in making, putting up, fixing, and other related jobs in this industry. Building projects that use renewable energy create jobs and help local businesses, especially in rural areas with a lot of renewable energy.
c. Increase Property Value: Buildings that use renewable energy usually cost more to buy or rent because they save money on energy, are better for the environment, and may not need as much power from outside sources. Research has found that buildings that are good for the environment and use energy wisely are worth more when they are sold and don’t stay empty for as long. This makes them a better choice for people who own or build properties.
6.3 Social and Cultural
Impacts
a. Community Engagement and Empowerment: Renewable energy projects in architecture often involve community engagement and participation, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among local residents. Community-led renewable energy initiatives, such as solar cooperatives and community-owned wind farms, enable individuals and communities to take control of their energy production, promote local economic development, and strengthen social bonds.
b. Education and Awareness: Renewable energy give great opportunities for teaching the open around caring for the environment. Having facilities with renewable energy resources, natural materials, and economical practices can motivate others to create their homes and businesses more environmentally friendly.
c. Physical and Mental Health: By reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting clean energy sources, renewable energy systems contribute to improved indoor air quality, mitigating respiratory illnesses and allergies. Additionally, features such as passive solar design and access to green spaces enhance thermal comfort, reduce stress, and foster a connection to nature, promoting mental well-being.
CONCLUSION
Energy efficient principles have been implemented since the vernacular era which depend on the region characteristic of the climate, nature, and environment. As time goes by, the evolution of energy used in the building developed along the way with the development of technology. Nowadays, the principles of energy efficient building depend on the passive and active properties applied on the building. The research is developing the renewable energy from the infinite energy sources like the solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass to be integrated into the building. Each of the sources can be applied to the passive and active design principles. During the research of this essay, the writer found that the passive design principles hold the important key above using the active design principles as it can minimalize the use of the active principles. Those can be implemented in the architectural design principles such as the passive solar design, orientation and shading, insulation, daylighting and natural ventilation.
Furthermore, one of the most actualising project is Bullitt Centre located in Seattle, USA which is a very good example of the building that implements the principles of energy efficient building uses passive and active design principles. Finally, there are numerous advantages of applying the renewable energy for the environment, economic, social and cultural aspects.
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