Envelope thermal design for energy savings in mosques in hot-humid climate

Abstract

Mosques, places of worship for Muslims, are used for five intermittent prayer periods a day with a duration of between 45 and 60 min each. Their unique function and pattern of operation result in unique energy consumption and demand. Although mosques can be characterized as high-occupancy buildings, the thermal design of the exterior envelope can play a major role in their thermal and energy performance particularly in hot-humid climates. The objective of this study is to investigate energy performance and potential energy savings associated with influencing envelope design parameters under hot-humid climatic conditions. The results revealed that envelope parameters such as wall and roof thermal resistance, and air leakage rate are major determinants of mosque energy performance and subsequently, considerable savings can be achieved when properly considered. Recommendations for envelope thermal design are presented to provide architects, engineers, planners, community developers and mosque operators with necessary guidelines for improving mosque energy performance.

Keywords:

• mosques
• envelope design
• energy conservation
• energy performance

Acknowledgements

The author would like to express thanks to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) for its support of this project under the research grant AT-18-13. The author also expresses his appreciation to King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) for its support in conducting this research. Finally, deepest thanks go to Dr Mohammad Al-Homoud and Dr Adel Abdou of the Architectural Engineering Department at KFUPM.