Hygrothermal Analysis and Energy Consumption of a Low Energy Office with nZEB trend in Mendoza

Abstract

Office buildings in cold temperate zones have high energy consumption and deficiencies in achieving thermal comfort inside. It is expected to identify their weaknesses and potentials in the climate of Mendoza (Bwk, cold arid temperate and cold temperate bioenvironmental zone IVa) and to consider an approach to nZEB guidelines. The case study is the ITC solutions office building, located in the technological development park (Polo TIC) of Godoy Cruz, Mendoza, Argentina (32º 93' S and 68º50' W, elevation 750 m.a.s.l.). The in situ hygrothermal monitoring was carried out with 11 HOBO U-12 and UX-100 type micro-data collectors, located by levels and orientations, taking into consideration different types of work spaces: open plan and box office. Measurements were taken in summer (20/01 to 24/01/2021) and winter (10/07 to 15/07/2021), taking into account post-occupancy hours and weekends. The comfort analysis was carried out using the ranges established by Givoni (1992) between 20°C and 24°C, the results indicated overheating in summer at all levels and temperatures within the comfort range in winter. In all cases measured, auxiliary energy was used for space conditioning. The electricity consumptions for the measured period were compiled as, for summer (January) 3457 kWh and for winter (July) 4030 kWh. The influence of indoor temperatures on energy consumption was analysed. As a result, although the building does not fully meet the requirements of an nZEB building, the importance of correctly applying bioclimatic strategies for winter and summer is evident.