A Morphology-based Model for Forecasting Cooling Energy Demand of Condominium Buildings in Sri Lanka

Building morphology has significant influence on operational energy demand of buildings. Energy consumption for space cooling accounts for more than 75% of electricity use in typical condominium buildings. With increase in the number of condominiums in Sri Lanka, the requirement for space cooling has increased resulting in significant energy demands. Accordingly, this study developed a morphology-based model for forecasting cooling energy demand of condominiums. The study employed a quantitative approach involving questionnaire survey and document review to collect data from thirty (30) condominiums in Sri Lanka. The correlation analysis performed on the data collected indicates that the number of floors (0.940), building height (0.930), building shape (-0.686), grouping of buildings (-0.647) window-to-wall-ration (0.597), gross internal floor area (0.489), and wall-to-floor-ratio (-0.457) have significant correlations with the cooling energy demand of condominiums in Sri Lanka. A multiple linear regression model developed shows that the number of floors and window-to-wall-ration account for 91.2% accuracy of the cooling energy estimation for condominiums in Sri Lanka. Thus, using the developed model, the annual cooling energy demand of a condominium can be forecast, considering significant design factors that could inform decisions at the building design and construction stage to ensure energy efficient designs