Zero Energy Retrofit Case Study of a Chalet in Ain-Sukhna, EGYPT

This paper presents the results of combined economic and computational study of different integrated passive and active design strategies for the Red Sea Coastline of Egypt. A chalet, located in Ain-Sukhna is selected as a case study for the zero energy retrofit. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential of achieving thermal comfort and delivering electrical demands for existing buildings on site. The Red Sea Coastline of Egypt has a semi arid climate with an annual total irradiation above 2409 bankable kWh/m2 per year with approximately 3300 hours of full sunshine. Moreover, the annual monthly averages of wind speed in this region range from 5.0 to 7.1 m/s. Therefore, different passive and active design strategies are discussed and compared to reach an annual net zero energy demand for the existing building stock. In order to achieve zero energy retrofit certain strategies are examined. For example, internal loads reduction, envelope retrofitting in addition to the installation of solar water heater, photovoltaic and small-scale wind turbine. Based on a month-by–month demand analysis, internal loads and envelope performance are analyzed in order to explore the existing economical potential. Simulation software TRNSYS is used to predict the annual net zero energy performance for a chalet at Ain-Sukhna. The final result of this study compares the potential and constraints of each strategy and rank them based on economical feasibility. For the considered location and weather conditions the Chalet can provide thermal comfort for occupants and meets the zero energy objectives. The research also proofs that some strategies applied for retrofitting are economical rewarding with a payback period ranging from 2 to 7 years.