Optimizing Passive Thermal Performance in Moroccan Residential Structures: : A Comparative Study of Traditional  Versus Contemporary Building Techniques

Hicham Kaddouri; Abderrahim  Abidouche; Mohamed  Saidi Hassani Alaoui; Ismael  Driouch; Firyal  Latrache; Abderrahim  Ed-Daoui

doi:10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.482

Authors

Hicham Kaddouri Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Experimentation and Modelling Team in Mechanics and Energy Systems, National School of Applied Sciences, El Hoceima, Morocco.
Abderrahim Abidouche Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Innovative Technologies Laboratory, High School of Technology, Fez, Morocco
Mohamed Saidi Hassani Alaoui Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Experimentation and Modelling Team in Mechanics and Energy Systems, National School of Applied Sciences, El Hoceima, Morocco
Ismael Driouch Abdelmalek Essaadi University, Experimentation and Modelling Team in Mechanics and Energy Systems, National School of Applied Sciences, El Hoceima, Morocco
Firyal Latrache Mohamed First University, Laboratory of Modelling and Science Calculations, Mechanics Energetics Systems and Signals Team, National School of applied sciences, Oujda, Morocco
Abderrahim Ed-Daoui Mohamed First University, Laboratory of Physics of Matter and Radiations, Faculty of Sciences, Oujda, Morocco.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51646/jsesd.v14i2.482

Keywords:

Hempcrete, Energy consumption, Thermal comfort, dynamic simulations, Climatic zones.

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of three construction scenarios for a residential building in Morocco, maintaining consistent parameters such as building orientation, architectural layout, and occupancy schedule. The research uses dynamic thermal simulations with TRNSYS software to evaluate the influence of different wall and roof compositions on energy consumption and indoor thermal comfort. The investigation focuses on the integration of ecofriendly hemp-based materials, particularly hempcrete, recognized for its insulating properties. Simulations were conducted across four Moroccan climatic zones: Mediterranean (Al Hoceima), continental (Oujda), semi-arid (Marrakech), and desert (Ouarzazate) to capture diverse environmental conditions. Results demonstrate that the use of hempcrete can reduce heating energy demand by up to 39% and cooling demand by up to 15%, while enhancing indoor thermal comfort with an average winter temperature increase of 0.77°C and a summer decrease of 0.62°C. These findings highlight the potential of hempcrete to improve building energy performance and contribute to carbon footprint reduction in varied climatic contexts.

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