Title: A sustainable PV-powered energy retrofit modelling to achieve net ZEB in churches: a simulation study for San Marcello Al Corso

Authors: Mohammad Mohammadzadeh; Navid Hadifar; Bahareh Mohammadzadeh

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506-0503, USA ' Department of Astronautical, Electrical and Energy Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, RM, 00184, Italy ' School of Architecture, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA

Abstract: This interdisciplinary study proposes practical modifications for achieving net-zero energy building (net ZEB) in historical churches while all the values of the church have been recognised and preserved. The church is studied from structural, mechanical and electrical perspectives. A 40.7% rise in energy efficiency and a 12% rise in exergy efficiency are observed after applying modifications. The concept of net ZEB has been accomplished in the church. A 98% balance in annual energy exchange is reached between the on-site and the utility grid power generation by applying the net metering method.

Keywords: energy retrofit; PV system; net zero energy building; net ZEB; net metering; sustainability; horizontal air curtain; exergy analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2021.118716

International Journal of Exergy, 2021 Vol.36 No.2/3/4, pp.191 - 207

Received: 25 Aug 2020
Accepted: 04 Mar 2021
Published online: 03 Nov 2021 *

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