Towards Net-Zero Energy Supermarket: An Investigation of Passive and Active Design Strategies

Abstract

In this thesis, the design of a supermarket is parametrically explored to reduce the energy consumption from these high energy consuming buildings. Starting with a model which is representative of supermarkets in Calgary, Alberta, Canada a number of parameters (insulation, lighting, windows, phase change material, greenroofing, building integrated photovoltaics, etc) are individually investigated to determine the impact on energy consumption. A model is found to have 30% reduction in building loads before a greenhouse is added to the design to reduce the dependency on transportation and external sources. A new set of parameters are investigated in the greenhouse (window assemblies, shading devices, night-time insulation, semi-transparent photovoltaics, etc) to reduce the energy consumption of the new Complex (supermarket and greenhouse). It is shown that such a Complex can exist with similar performance as a supermarket on its own. Finally, by optimizing the mechanical systems and utilizing cold outside air, energy consumption can be reduced by an additional 20% to achieve a net-zero energy design with the use of rooftop situated building integrated photovoltaics and semi-transparent photovoltaics in the greenhouse. In the end, and through the use of building strategies explored in this thesis, a reduction of 240 tonnes of GHG emissions are avoided through the application of this design.