Analyzing WWR Effects on Building Performance...

Analyzing WWR Effects on Building Performance Using eQUEST for Bhopal Region

Author Name : Abhishek Ahirwar, Mahendra Singh, Prayag Ahirwar, Iqbal Hafeez Khan

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of various combinations of window‐to‐wall ratios (WWRs) on the cooling and heating loads of educational building in India's composite climatic zone. Building’s window-to-wall ratio (WWR) plays a significant role for predicting energy consumption in tropical climate because huge amount of solar heat gain occurs through the exterior windows for having high solar radiation intensity and annual average temperature in tropical climatic regions. This study investigates the impact of WWR on energy consumption of air-conditioned buildings in subtropical monsoon climatic. This research was conducted through rigorous energy simulation perspective by developing a G+3 building prototype building in a validated energy simulation tool eQUEST. Design alternatives were developed for simulation considering this city of Bhopal, WWR percentage from 20% to 50%, wall thickness, thermal insulation thickness, shading height and window orientations. A comprehensive data analysis was performed to predict the optimum range of WWR percentage for the air-conditioned building. The study identifies an optimal window-to-wall ratio (WWR) of approximately 20% for air-conditioned buildings in Bhopal, balancing energy efficiency and thermal performance. The output of this work can be incorporated into National Building Code as energy efficient strategies for designing an air conditioned building.