چكيده لاتين
Given the decline in fossil energy resources, the increase in environmental pollution, and the growing imbalance between energy production and consumption in the country, the move toward nearly zero-energy buildings is of great importance. Iran, with its climatic diversity and high potential for utilizing renewables—especially solar energy—has a suitable foundation for the expansion of nearly zero-energy buildings. Despite the formulation of regulations such as Chapter 19 of the National Building Regulations, the practical implementation of such designs is still in its early stages and requires more thorough investigation and greater attention. In this study, the technical and economic feasibility of designing such buildings in various climates of Iran was examined based on the consumption benchmark method. For this purpose, the annual energy consumption of a four-story residential building in five selected cities—Isfahan, Tabriz, Sari, Iranshahr, and Bandar Abbas—was modeled using the Design Builder software. Optimization strategies included determining the appropriate building orientation, selecting the type and thickness of thermal insulation, using double-glazed windows with low heat transfer coefficients, and setting the optimal temperature for heating and cooling systems based on thermal comfort standards. Additionally, the use of grid-connected solar systems for energy production under the actual climatic conditions of each region was modeled using the PVsyst solar simulation software. Finally, to ensure the practicality of the design, an economic analysis and payback period evaluation were conducted. The lowest primary energy rate was recorded in Sari at 135.151 KWh/m², and the highest in Bandar Abbas at 415.649 KWh/m². Optimizing the heating and cooling system temperature resulted in a 30 to 40 percent reduction in the primary energy rate. With energy consumption optimization, only Tabriz achieved the EC++ energy rating. The rooftop space in Isfahan was sufficient for establishing the required solar power plant, but in other cities, additional space was needed. The highest initial investment was required in Bandar Abbas and the lowest in Isfahan. Furthermore, the shortest payback period was in Tabriz at 4.44 years, and the longest in Sari at 6.53 years. The results showed that with precise design and adaptation to climatic conditions, achieving nearly zero-energy buildings in Iran is not only technically feasible but also economically viable.
