Feasibility of Converting an Existing Recreational Facility into a Net-Zero Energy Building: KFUPM Beach Case Study

In general, the implementation of energy efficient measures, EEM’s can bring down the energy consumption of residential or non-residential buildings by about 30%. The Net-zero Energy Building, NZEB concept is usually applied to newly designed buildings. However, the number of already constructed buildings will always outnumber the newly planned buildings. Therefore, this study focuses on techno-economic feasibility of converting an existing recreational facility, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals. KFUPM beach to NZE facility. Its location Al-Khobar, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, considered as one of the most arid and dry climates in the world. This harsh weather imposes another challenge in minimizing Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning load. The objective of the present study is to conduct feasibility study in two phases. In the first phase, measures will be identified to minimize the energy utilization, mainly in terms of the thermal load. In the second phase, a hybrid microgrid solar photovoltaics (PV’s)/wind energy system will be designed and optimized to meet the demand. The study focusses economic feasibility of the hybrid microgrid renewable system design based on cost of energy, net present cost, payback period, reduction in carbon footprint, and initial and operational costs.