Energy efficiency awareness and regulations continue to rise in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Extreme climatic conditions impose a heavy reliance on cooling, mostly electricity-based, and thus a strong and structural dependency of a high energy resource. The design and construction of low energy consumption open, air conditioning stadiums in hot, humid climate have raised several challenges. This paper explores the dynamic simulation modelling (DSM) methodology and results of a typical 40,000 spectators in...

Liquid desiccant cooling systems (LDCS) are energy efficient means of providing cooling, especially when powered by low-grade thermal sources. In this paper, the underlying principles of operation of desiccant cooling systems are examined, and the main components (dehumidifier, evaporative cooler and regenerator) of the LDCS are reviewed. The evaporative cooler can take the form of direct, indirect or semi-indirect. Relative to the direct type, the indirect type is generally less effective. Nonetheless, a certain variant...

The eco-villa project was set up to evaluate the use of a dynamically insulated building envelope construction in the hot humid climate of the Gulf Region. The villa, a detached family home on two floors, was built using pre-cast concrete panels - a Modern Method of Construction that is widely used across the Gulf Region and in many other countries. Interlocking assemblies of type permeodynamic insulation cells were fitted internally over the available wall area...

Amidst the growing commitment of reducing energy consumption across the Gulf Region, the rising discourse and practice of sustainability in institutions of higher learning has led to energy- efficiency investments to improve the overall environmental performance. There is an increasing level of legislation addressing energy and environmental issues. Recently, Qatar Construction Specifications upgraded requirements aimed at improving the energy-efficiency of domestic, public and commercial buildings by adopting the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) requirement hence,...

The built environment has a direct impact on the Gulf Region natural environment, the economy and human health. Buildings have to respond to local climate and site conditions to maximize building users’ comfort and health while minimizing energy use. Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) developed a simplified, standalone, building energy standard to support Qatar’s and the MENA region building energy ratings. Air conditioning counts for more than 60% of the electricity consumption in GCC countries....

New effective technologies and materials that have the potential to reduce energy demand with excellent energy efficiency and low environmental impact are urgently required in the Gulf Region. Dynamic insulation, which functions by recycling fabric heat loss back to the building, has been established theoretically and proven in pilot projects. It sets the green, low carbon benchmark for thermal insulation in buildings. This paper presents details of the Eco-Villa, its construction, how the performance of...