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Effect of a Material Based on Date Palm Fibers on the Thermal Behavior of a Residential Building in the Atlantic Climate of Morocco

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  • Mhaijiba Belhous

    (Energies and Sustainable Development (E2D) Research Team, Higher School of Technology–Guelmim, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco)

  • Mustapha Boumhaout

    (Energies and Sustainable Development (E2D) Research Team, Higher School of Technology–Guelmim, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco)

  • Soufiane Oukach

    (Energies and Sustainable Development (E2D) Research Team, Higher School of Technology–Guelmim, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco)

  • Hassan Hamdi

    (Energies and Sustainable Development (E2D) Research Team, Higher School of Technology–Guelmim, Ibnou Zohr University, Agadir 80000, Morocco)

Abstract

The potential of natural materials is becoming more and more important as concerns about the environmental impact and energy efficiency of the construction sector grow. Incorporating waste from fiber sub-products seems like a wise choice, in line with the circular economy model. Despite the fact that date palm materials have been extensively researched and developed for use in modern buildings, the potential of using date palm fibers has not been widely explored. This research intends to examine how date palm fibers thermal insulation affects a building’s thermal efficiency in an Atlantic climate. An analysis using a numerical simulation using the TRNSYS software is conducted to determine the effect of this passive approach on cooling/heating loads and indoor comfort. This technique is measured against a hypothetical reference case of homemade traditional building materials without thermal insulation. The results show that insulation with date palm fiber materials has a significant effect on the indoor air temperature and the cooling and heating loads of the house. In comparison to the reference case, the studied house achieves better comfort conditions when thermal insulation is adopted since the indoor air temperature is increased by up to 3 °C in winter and decreased by up to 5 °C in summer. In addition, annual cooling and heating requirements can be reduced by 25% and 18%, respectively, by insulating the roof and walls with date palm fiber materials. On the other hand, it allows financial savings and a reduction in CO 2 emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Mhaijiba Belhous & Mustapha Boumhaout & Soufiane Oukach & Hassan Hamdi, 2023. "Effect of a Material Based on Date Palm Fibers on the Thermal Behavior of a Residential Building in the Atlantic Climate of Morocco," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-15, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:7:p:6314-:d:1117576
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kousksou, T. & Allouhi, A. & Belattar, M. & Jamil, A. & El Rhafiki, T. & Arid, A. & Zeraouli, Y., 2015. "Renewable energy potential and national policy directions for sustainable development in Morocco," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 47(C), pages 46-57.
    2. Ikram Merini & Angel Molina-García & M. Socorro García-Cascales & Mustapha Mahdaoui & Mohamed Ahachad, 2020. "Analysis and Comparison of Energy Efficiency Code Requirements for Buildings: A Morocco–Spain Case Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(22), pages 1-21, November.
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    1. Zahraa Alshikh & Esra Trepci & Edwin Rodriguez-Ubinas, 2023. "Sustainable Off-Site Construction in Desert Environments: Zero-Energy Houses as Case Studies," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-40, August.

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