Energy Simulation-Based Design Optimization for Residential Buildings Using EnergyPlus

With the growing focus on buildings' energy efficiency and sustainability, it is critical to model the energy consumption of residential buildings accurately. This study focuses on using EnergyPlus, a powerful building energy simulation software, to conduct an in-depth analysis of the energy performance of a chosen residential building prototype. Accurate building models are constructed with detailed input of key information such as the buildings' geometry, envelope characteristics, HVAC system parameters, personnel activities, and indoor and outdoor climate conditions. Through simulation using EnergyPlus, the impacts of different design parameters and operational strategies on energy consumption can be studied, such as window materials, shading facilities on lighting and cooling or heating loads, and the association of ventilation system efficiency with indoor air quality and energy consumption. In this research, literature review has been done on why residential building energy consumption plays an important role, the significance of integrating building energy modeling tools with building design process, and why EnergyPlus is chosen as the simulation tool. A case study has been conducted to investigate how changing temperature set-point can impact the building's energy performance, hence demonstrating the significance of optimizing design factors, such as temperature set- point schedule to minimize building energy consumption.