Energy performance evaluation of bamboo-based envelopes under the tropical climate of Panama City

Abstract

Social and economic growth greatly influences the increase in energy demand, mainly the cooling thermal load. As an ecological material, bamboo has been used as a construction element in ancient times. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the energy performance of bamboo-based enclosures in a residential building under the tropical climate of Panama City. Through a literature review, the thermal properties of three bamboo configurations were obtained. These data were uploaded to the DesignBuilder software, where the model of the residential building was located. Simulations were performed under a parametric analysis evaluating the input variables consisting of 11 envelope materials formed by conventional building materials and bamboo biocomposites. The output variables were the thermal loads through the roof, walls, and ceiling and the hours of thermal non-comfort at 80% of ASHRAE 55 accessibility. For the hottest month (March), the thermal load through walls for the three bamboo configurations was 48 KWh, three times lower than the thermal loads through walls with conventional materials. The thermal loads through the roof and ceiling were negligible since the design with conventional roof materials favors heat loss. Constant annual comfort conditions and reduced heat loads in the residential building were achieved.