Academic Journal

Optimizing building energy performance with vernacular infill materials: A simulation, optimization, & experimentation framework.

Λεπτομέρειες βιβλιογραφικής εγγραφής
Τίτλος: Optimizing building energy performance with vernacular infill materials: A simulation, optimization, & experimentation framework.
Συγγραφείς: Raj Chanda, Prayag1 (AUTHOR) prayag_rs@mech.nits.ac.in, Biswas, Agnimitra1 (AUTHOR)
Πηγή: Science & Technology for the Built Environment. Apr2026, p1-19. 19p. 14 Illustrations.
Θεματικοί όροι: *Mathematical optimization, *Construction materials, *Computer simulation, *Energy consumption of buildings, *Carbon dioxide mitigation, *Energy management, *Scientific experimentation, Tropical climate
Περίληψη: This study introduces a connected framework combining fuzzy multicriteria decision-making (MCDM), simulation, and experimentation to identify the optimal vernacular infill material for cavity brick walls in a tropical climate, considering six alternatives: mud phuska, elephant grass, bamboo, rice husk, coconut fiber, and wood dust. Eleven factors were evaluated: room temperature, relative humidity, cooling load and heating load, total cost, comfort index, CO2 emission, moisture resistivity, ease of installation, social acceptability, and job creation, addressing techno–economic–environment–social criteria. Using DesignBuilder, a vernacular house was modeled, followed by EnergyPlus simulation for evaluating factor values. Experimental validation affirmed the model’s precision, with error indices within 3%, meeting ASHRAE-14 guidelines. Results show elephant grass as the optimal choice across all criteria. Sensitivity analysis validated the MCDM framework’s robustness, providing a comprehensive approach for optimizing buildings with low-cost vernacular materials. The average room temperature of elephant grass-infilled cavity brick model was 2.03% lower compared to normal brick, with cooling energy demand 5.52% lower and heating load slightly decreasing by 0.81%. Overall energy saving was 5.58% higher compared to normal bricks, with CO2 emissions decreased nearly by 6% over 5 years. The modified brick was found to be most effective in hot-dry conditions, reducing total energy by 6.4%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Βάση Δεδομένων: Academic Search Index
Περιγραφή
ISSN:23744731
DOI:10.1080/23744731.2026.2653444