Optimizing Energy Efficiency in Educational Buildings Within a Hot-Arid Climate: Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of Enclosed Interface Space Parameters

نویسندگان

1 Department of Architecture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Department of Architecture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

3 Department of Architecture, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.

4 Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

doi
10.30501/jree.2025.494480.2197
چکیده

This study explores the influence of enclosed interface spaces on energy consumption in educational buildings situated in hot-arid climates, with a particular focus on Isfahan, Iran. A comprehensive sensitivity and uncertainty analysis was conducted using Monte Carlo Simulation and Latin Hypercube Sampling, applied to critical building parameters including orientation, layout, glazing types, natural ventilation, insulation, infiltration, shading elements, construction materials, and HVAC set-point temperatures. Simulation tools such as DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus were employed to examine how these parameters affect annual heating and cooling loads. The results revealed that air infiltration rate, thermostat settings, and shading design tailored to orientation significantly impact thermal loads, with distinct seasonal variations. However, limitations emerged due to low adjusted R² values in cooling load analysis and the absence of experimental validation. Despite these limitations, the study offers a valuable framework for early-stage decision-making in sustainable building design. Further incorporation of real-world energy data and comprehensive statistical validation is recommended to enhance the reliability and applicability of the findings.