Empirical validation and analysis of the energy performance of an ecological Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) in Benguerir-Morocco

Abstract

Within the framework of the sustainable development and carbon-neutrality, the building sector is a key target of the national energy strategy towards zero-carbon economy in Morocco. This article comes in response to this need by assessing the energy performance of a solar-powered low-embodied-carbon building in the semi-arid climate of Benguerir-Morocco, which refers to the fifth climatic zone in the thermal regulation for constructions in Morocco (RTCM). To do so, we’ve used Openstudio as the building energy modeling tool to investigate the energy self-sufficiency of a detached Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) that has a floor area of 47 m², uses earth-based material as the main component part of the building envelope and has a photovoltaic installation with a capacity of 4 kW. The accuracy of the building energy model was empirically validated following ASHRAE 14 guidelines by monitoring hourly indoor temperatures for 8 days during summer season. Results show that annual thermal needs for cooling and heating are 123.4 kWh/m²/year and the calculated annual self-sufficiency (SS) of the building is 1.25, which means that the solar technology greatly offsets the electrical needs of the building and rech the goal of Zero Energy Building.