Date of Award

January 2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Technology

First Advisor

Mark Shaurette

Committee Member 1

Mark Shaurette

Committee Member 2

Michael Dyrenfurth

Committee Member 3

Miquel Barcelo

Abstract

Hotels are among the highest in the commercial building sector regarding energy consumption, both electricity and fuel uses, and they are significant contributors to GHGs emissions to the atmosphere. This growth is in constant conflict with climate policy targets and also from energy-efficiency and economic savings’ views. The project aims to define a guideline for the ideal combination between some bioclimatic building design parameters and the adoption of active energy technology, a photovoltaic solar system. Since the objective is obtaining real values and consumptions for proper analysis, performing the energy simulations in a specific location is necessary. The chosen location is Cerdanya (Catalonia, Spain). In this region, tourism is the major key for socio-economic progress and the location is a potential candidate site for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, so new hotels or renovations would be needed. Furthermore, this location enjoys a Subalpine climate while having a high annual amount of sunshine, making it such an interesting case to study.

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