Renewable energy and its applications in buildings,
Due to factors such as rising living standards and digital transformation, energy use is increasing.
However, the proportion of renewable energy sources is also on the rise in all energy consumption applications.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand the different types of renewable resources and their applications in architecture and building design.
solar energy
Solar energy tops the list of renewable energy resources and is a sustainable, safe and reliable resource.
It converts sunlight into electricity directly through photovoltaic cells (PV) or indirectly using concentrated solar power (CSP).
Solar energy is the cheapest form of renewable energy, and its integration into building design is now becoming clear.
It can pump water, and can also be used for cooling, communications and battery charging.
Now architects are busy inventing the size, proportion, materials,
color scheme and balance of buildings to incorporate this technology into the design.
In 2014, the Netherlands unveiled “solar bike lanes” in an attempt to harness this energy.
The Solar Road bicycle path consists of concrete modules, each measuring 2.5 to 3.5 metres,
and equipped with solar panels covered with tempered glass.
Wind Energy
They are generated when wind turbines convert kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical energy that drives a generator to produce clean energy, without any greenhouse gas emissions.
About 1% of global power generation comes from wind energy.
A 2-megawatt turbine can also produce emissions-free energy to power 500 homes for one year.
Today, wind energy is a widely developed form of alternative energy worldwide.
Wind energy can also be used to design natural ventilation and temperature regulation in buildings and thus reduce energy consumption by replacing air conditioners.
Masdar City in Abu Dhabi has attempted to create natural ventilation by capturing wind from above and filtering it to lower levels,
similar to the mechanism of traditional wind towers.
Hydropower
It is the energy derived from the kinetic energy of water flowing or falling in water bodies such as lakes, streams, reservoirs, rivers, dams, and lakes.
Water energy is also harnessed to generate electricity in the water cycle,
which occurs naturally when water evaporates to form clouds that fall in the form of rain.
This technology has proven its efficiency and reliability, and little fuel is used in the generation process, so emissions are very low.
The amount of energy produced depends on the volume of water and also on available water sources, especially in urban areas.
Hydraulic energy dams are also productive in using this renewable energy.
Geothermal energy
It is a clean, renewable resource derived from Earth’s heat.
It can be harnessed almost anywhere to produce heat and electricity, as can be seen in hot springs.
Geothermal energy is used for residential heating and cooling, and to generate electricity.
Geothermal energy is the most sustainable energy system.
Biomass energy
For green buildings, biomass energy is the most suitable but underutilized energy source.
Biomass is organic matter that originates from plants and animals and is a valuable source of renewable energy.
Biomass contains stored energy from the sun, which is released as heat when burned.
It can be converted into liquid biofuel or biogas as well.
By-products of the agricultural industry such as wood, straw, and sugarcane may be green resources.
It is available locally and at low cost to support housing for all.
Conclusion
Due to the increasing use of renewable energy, global warming and environmental issues continue to rise.
Fossil-based energy types are more polluting and resource-intensive than others.
Studies related to environmental pollution indicate that fossil fuels are the most important pollutants.
Fossil energy remains the most widely consumed type of energy.
Moreover, the consumption of renewable energy sources is very low.
It is therefore important to increase the use of renewable energy, which produces cleaner and lower emissions.
Buildings must have appropriate incentives to use clean energy.
Needs such as heating, cooling and lighting can be met by renewable energy.
By using both traditional and creative methods together,
The rate of use of renewable resources such as solar, wind and geothermal resources in buildings can be increased.
Therefore, significant contributions can be made to reducing environmental problems caused by energy consumption.
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