Towards Zero Energy Districts developments base on bioclimatic strategies: A Numerical Study in a Developing Country

¹ Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá, Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá
² Department of Mechanical, Energy and Management Engineering, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
³ Centro de Estudios Multidisciplinarios en Ciencias, Ingeniería y Tecnología (CEMCIT-AIP), Ciudad de Panamá, Panamá

^* Corresponding author: dafni.mora@utp.ac.pa

Abstract

The need for more efficient buildings to contribute to more sustainable development has led to the establishment of targets in different countries. European countries have presented energy plans to respond to the guidelines of achieving near-zero energy buildings (nZEB). The concept can be defined at the urban scale (nZED), being a delimited part of a city with high energy efficiency and using renewable energies within its boundaries. This research aims to carry out a numerical study in a residential development in Panama, based on a proposal to redesign it, but using bioclimatic strategies and implementing photovoltaic technology. Thus, to evaluate the feasibility of nZED in the region and to function as a preliminary study to implement regulations of this type in the country. The results indicate that the indoor comfort conditions of each residential building should be evaluated in greater depth, and energy savings of 40% were obtained by implementing the recommended bioclimatic strategies and becoming independent of air conditioning equipment. In addition, photovoltaic generation outstrips demand, making the development net energy positive.