Multi-framework-based approach for optimizing dwelling conditions and energy efficiency in subtropical climatic conditions.

Buildings sector being responsible for more than one-third of the overall energy consumption is growing rapidly. One of the top priorities of building designers is to minimize energy consumption. This communication presents a multi-framework-based approach to optimize dwelling conditions and energy efficiency in subtropical climatic conditions. In the present work, the thermal behavior of indoor air is assessed by using Ansys Workbench while the Grasshopper plugin of Rhinoceros 3D is used to evaluate the daylighting under different scenarios. The study also involves a survey with a sample size of 289 people to substantiate the various optimization strategies. Further, the work encompasses the validation of respective approaches by comparing the results with measured values. Based on the results, it has been observed that using a ceiling fan and air conditioner alongside during the summer season in subtropical climatic conditions provides better dwelling conditions and reduces cooling load by 20–30% in comparison with an air conditioner alone. While consciously utilizing daylight by ensuring minimal illuminance of 500 lx is having the ability to decrease the lighting load by approximately 27%. Further, the results obtained from the present investigation can serve as a basis for providing better dwelling conditions with optimized energy utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]