Optimizing hybrid ventilation in arid Climates: A systematic review and Dubai case study

Abstract

Hybrid ventilation systems, strategically integrating natural and mechanical ventilation, hold significant promise for reducing building cooling energy consumption, particularly in hot climates. This study investigates the effectiveness of such a system in a Dubai office building, aiming to minimize energy use and carbon emissions within a challenging, arid climate where cooling demands are substantial. The research employs a two-pronged methodology. First, a systematic review of 84 research articles published between 2010 and early 2024, encompassing simulations, experiments, and case studies, reveals a wide range of reported energy savings from hybrid ventilation, underscoring the need for standardized performance comparisons. Building upon this foundation, the second phase employs a detailed case study. Using EnergyPlus software, a dynamic energy model of a Dubai office building was created and validated against a year’s worth of actual energy consumption data. This validated model was then modified to simulate implementing a hybrid ventilation system, directly addressing the performance variations highlighted in the literature review. Results demonstrate that the hybrid system can achieve a 23% annual reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional system, with savings more pronounced during cooler seasons (29%) than in hotter months (13%). Furthermore, the system yielded a 20% reduction in carbon emissions. This research provides compelling, context-specific evidence for the efficacy of hybrid ventilation in reducing building energy consumption and carbon footprint in hot, arid climates, contributing to more sustainable building design practices.