Energy Conservation Opportunities and Improved Thermal Comfort in Residential Buildings: The Case-Study of Kota, Rajasthan

Abstract

Presently around 40% of energy consumption worldwide is for buildings and in India too, the energy consumption for cooling/heating of the buildings is increasing with the rise in living standards and luxuries of life. The paper presents a study based on the survey conducted at the residential buildings of Kota, Rajasthan. The survey has been conducted to assess the effect of various parameters such as orientation, window to wall ratio, open areas around buildings, window areas exposed to direct solar radiation, plantation, shading, daylighting, energy consumption in summers and winters, etc. The results have been analyzed with regard to the thermal comfort conditions. The control of this direct solar gain can act as a measure for increased energy saving and thermal comfort. Methods for controlling direct solar gain have been discussed in the paper. Energy conservation opportunities are outlined and suggestions have been presented. This study is useful from the point of view of better designing of new residential buildings and also for cutting down energy consumption in existing buildings with some simple measures.