Low-consumption techniques in tropical climates for energy and water savings in buildings: A review on experimental studies

Abstract

Different investigations have been developed over the years, and experimental research takes time to collect the information. Considering this, the objective of this research is to carry out a literature review of the strategies adopted by countries with tropical climates to achieve energy and water efficiency, as well as the comfort of the occupants to evaluate the performance of these techniques for each tropical climate type (i.e., tropical rainforest, tropical monsoon, tropical savanna, and subtropical). A methodology is presented using keywords and exclusion criteria for the best selection of articles. Time is saved by searching for information on low consumption strategies, types of buildings, and techniques implemented in each country. A summary of each experimental investigation is made. Results showed that it is possible to apply different techniques to the same type of building and have the savings of interest (water, energy, or comfort) without limiting it to a specific technique. Some tropical climates tend to use only one type of savings, such as comfort and others use energy and water. The experimental studies presented a relevant saving for passive design strategies in the following order: 1- 62.22% applying natural ventilation, water wall and stack flue, 2- 41% and 43% applying daylighting and glazing. 3- 35% applying wall insulation. For low consumption techniques: 1-14.31% and a 32.30% Remote Control extension device and 2-19% applying semitransparent photovoltaic glazing. This article is a resource that can be used by anyone interested in experimental studies in tropical climates.