| dc.description.abstract | The importance of utilizing different types of energy and their technical application
is discussed. Awareness around the globe about the world energy crisis and its critical
environmental condition has put more emphasis on the use of renewable energies in
every corner of life. It is a well‐known fact that global warming, inefficient use of energy
and greenhouse gases are damaging the environment, species and human life drastically.
These issues will be discussed in recently conducted research.
To address the crucial state of our environment, two simultaneous scenarios are
considered. Initially, energy conservation and the switch to a low carbon/no carbon fuel
are studied. As for energy conservation in buildings, smart methods in the use of energy in
buildings are discussed. Based on different research reported, humans must change their
attitude toward the use of resources, and in particular, be conscientious about energy
consumption. Next, renewable energy promises a suitable alternative to energy needs in
this century, and the best means to overcome the environmental issue and energy crisis is
discussed. The practical methods of calculation for solar technology equipment, ground
source heat pumps, and wind turbines are explained. In the application part of the study,
four buildings are chosen as case studies; two of them from residential sectors, one is a
commercial/institutional building, and the fourth is an industrial building. A ground source
heat pump for heating and cooling, a solar water heater for heating space or hot water,
and a photovoltaic panel for generating electricity are designed for the case studies. Even
projects under hybrid systems combined from two technologies are designed. 36 different
energy options are calculated for the four case studies. Results show that if a target is
reducing CO2 emissions, what systems are the best. In contrast, when decision making is
based on budget, what system is the first choice? Not only are technology, environmental
protection and cost the main parameters for deciding on renewable technologies, but so
are reliability, installation, maintenance and ease of use. Hence, renewable energy
systems are categorized based on a broad vision. | en |
