Impact of Future Climate Change on Renewable Energy Design of Net Zero-carbon in Low Rise Condominium

Abstract

This research study aims to simulate performance of a low-rise condominium in Bangkok, considering the effects of changing weather patterns over the next 60 years. To achieve this, the study used hourly weather data files from the years between 1983 and 1993 to create weather files for 2020, 2050, and 2080, which are then used to analyze and to compare energy consumption, environmental impacts, and net-zero carbon offsetting strategies of the building throughout its 60-year life cycle.

The study utilizes the study low-rise condominium data from a previous research study includes a 60-year energy consumption analysis using DesignBuilder software and a life cycle assessment using One Click LCA software to evaluate the environmental impacts of the building. The study also proposes net-zero carbon offsetting using photovoltaics cells installations, with reduction percentages of 20%, 50%, 70%, and 100%

From the study, it was found that throughout the 60-year lifespan of a low-rise condominium, when comparing using typical weather file in the year of 1990 to the predicted future energy consumption (from 2020-2050), the simulated energy use in the building increased by 57%. This increase in energy consumption led to an increase of 59% in the building's estimated carbon emissions when assessed using current energy consumption as the baseline. To achieve net-zero carbon emissions, it is necessary to generate energy from the installation of Photovoltaic cells systems, with an increase of 52-53% from current energy consumption.