Energy Consumption Minimization in Hot and Dry Climates: Analyzing the Influence of Passive Design Techniques in Buildings in Kashan

The purpose of this study is to present a method for decreasing energy usage and enhancing building performance in a hot and dry climate. This article examines the impact of various factors on a building’s energy consumption in Kashan city, located in a hot and dry climate, using a passive design approach. ClimateConsultant software is utilized to assess the recommended solutions for the city, and climate design is implemented based on these solutions. The central courtyard is identified as an important and suitable solution for this city, and the optimal size of the courtyard is assessed using DesignBuilder software to determine its impact on energy consumption. After selecting the building’s length, width, orientation, and the optimal form of the central courtyard in Kashan city, appropriate materials are chosen for the climate and a schedule is created for air, temperature, heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Simulations are conducted using DesignBuilder software to assess their sensitivity in different seasons. The results demonstrate that by making changes and optimizing these variables, energy consumption for the entire building is reduced from 240.44 to $132.76 \mathrm{kWh} / \mathrm{m}^{2}$ compared to the initial design state for a building without a courtyard and at ground level. This substantial reduction in energy usage highlights the significant impact that changes and optimizations in building design can have on reducing energy consumption in hot and dry climates.