IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

www.arpapress.com/Volumes/Vol8Issue1/IJRRAS_8_1_07.pdf

ANALYSIS OF COOLING DEGREE DAYS FOR TIRUCHIRAPPALLI

A DISTRICT IN INDIA
S.Shanmuga Priya1*, M.Premalatha2, S.R.Rajkumar3 & I.Thirunavukkarasu4
1

Department Of Chemical Engineering/4Department Of Instrumentation And Control Engineering

Manipal Institute Of Technology, Manipal University, Manipal-576 104, Karnataka. India.
2,3
Centre For Energy & Environmental Science And Technology
National Institute Of Technology, Tiruchirappalli 620015, Tamil Nadu, India.
* E-mail: shanpriyanitt@yahoo.co.in,latha@nitt.edu

ABSTRACT
In India the performance of buildings may take a greater significance in near future with the constraint of limited
resource availability, domestic and international targets for the reduction of green house gas emissions. For India,
annual cooling degree days are 3120 and annual heating degree days are 80. In this study, cooling degree days for
Tiruchirappalli, a location in south part of India is found using the long-term recent measured data by British gas
method. Cooling degree days are calculated for eleven base temperatures ranging from 18C to 28C and are
tabulated. Annual cooling degree days is related with base temperature for Tiruchirappalli with the correlation
coefficient of 0.995. Also, an empirical relation between the month and monthly average cooling degree days is
obtained with the correlation coefficient of 0.942. Heat loss calculations are carried out for Indian buildings as a
function of annual cooling degree days for different U values of buildings. The results are compared between the
best and worst U values of the buildings. The calculations are also made for heat loss for different base temperatures
keeping the U value of the building constant. The results indicate that either a correction in base temperature or a
better U value for the buildings will save energy up to an extent of 80% in air-conditioned Indian buildings.
[

Keywords: Cooling degree days; Base temperature; Heat loss ; Building Energy consumption ; Tiruchirappalli.
1. INTRODUCTION
The value of degree-days is a measure used to indicate the demand for energy to heat or cool buildings. The monthly
and/or annual cooling and heating requirements of specific buildings in different locations can be estimated by
means of the degree-days concept. The method assumes that the energy needs for a building are proportional to the
difference between the mean daily temperature and a base temperature. The base temperature is the outdoor
temperature below or above which heating or cooling is needed.
Energy analysis plays an important role in developing an optimum and cost effective design of HVAC system for a
building. Orhan Buyukalaca et al. [3] determined the heating and cooling degree days for Turkey by using long
term recent measured data. Viorel Badescu et al. [4] tested five models of computing degree day numbers and the
most accurate method has been used to evaluate heating degree days for 29 Romanian localities. Sarak H et al. [5]
determined the heating degree day method to determine natural gas consumption by residential heating in Turkey.
Christenson M et al. [6] investigated the impact of climate warming on Swiss building energy demand was by
means of the degree days method. Indias climate could become warmer under conditions of increased atmospheric
carbon dioxide. Lonergan [7] predicted the average temperature change to be in the range of 2.33C to 4.78 C with
a doubling in CO2 concentrations.
With the enactment of Energy Conservation Act-2001, the Energy Management and Energy Conservation have
become core issues in India. In 2002, Government of India set a target for reduction of energy conservation by 30%
in government buildings, during the next five years. When establishing the baseline performance indices, space
temperature inside the room should be considered as 23-26C. [V P Gupta[8]]
The literature collected indicates that the cooling degree day calculation will be helpful for India to fix building
energy standards. This present work considers Tiruchirappalli one of the hottest region of India for the cooling
degree day analysis.
1.1. Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli district is located at the Central part of TamilNadu, a southern state of India. Figure [1] shows the
location of Tiruchirappalli in India and it indicates that it is one of the hottest region in India.

44

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Area
North Latitude
East Longitude
Altitude

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

: 4,403.83 (Sq.Km.)
: Between 10o to 11 o 30'
: Between 77 o 45' to 78 o 50'
: 78 metres

Figure 1. Annual Temperature in India

The variation of temperature through out the year exhibits hot and dry climate with high temperature and low
degree of humidity. The region experiences four main seasons:
Cool Months - December to February
Hot Months - March to May
Windy Months - June to August and
Rainy Months - September to November
Temperature Summer : Max. 42C , Min. 28.4C
Winter : Max. 31.3C, Min. 20.6C.
Figure[2] shows the temperature variations in Tiruchirappalli.

Figure 2. Outside temperature with time in Tiruchirappalli

1.2. Concept Of Heating And Cooling Degree Days
A degree day is a measure of the average temperatures departure from a human comfort level of 18 C (65 F).
The concept of degree days is used primarily to evaluate energy demand for heating and cooling services. Using a
base temperature of 18 C, heating degree days (HDDs) are defined as 18 T, where T is the average temperature of
45

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

a given day. Thus, a day with an average temperature of 10 C will have 8 degree heating days. Cooling degree days
(CDDs) are calculated in a similar fashion. Cooling degree days are defined as T 18, where T is the average
temperature. Accordingly, a day with an average temperature of 25 C will have 7 degree cooling days. For both
heating and cooling degree days, average temperature of a particular day is calculated by adding the daily high and
low temperatures and dividing by two. [Kevin Baumert et al.[11]]
1.3. Computation Of Degree Days
The calculation requires daily measurements of maximum and minimum outside air temperatures ( T max and Tmin )
and a 'base temperature' Tbase, nominated by the user as an estimate of the outside air temperature at which no
artificial heating (or cooling) is required. The degree-day figure for a given month or week is the accumulated total
of daily results over the period in question. The daily result for heating degree days, Dh, is selected from the
following formulae:
Condition

Formula used

Tmax<Tbase

Dh=Tbase-(Tmax+Tmin)/2

Tmax>=Tbase

Dh=(Tbase-Tmin)/2-(Tmax-Tbase)/4

(Tmax+Tmin)/2>Tbase

Dh=(Tbase-Tmin)/4

Tmin>Tbase

Dh=0

The daily result for cooling degree days, Dc, is selected from the following formulae:
Condition
Tmin>Tbase

Formula used
Dc=(Tmax+Tmin)/2-Tbase

Tmin<=Tbase

Dc=(Tmax-Tbase)/2-(Tbase-Tmin)/4

(Tmax+Tmin)/2<Tbase

Dc=(Tmax-Tbase)/4

Tmax<Tbase

Dc=0

where
T base
=
Base Temperature (oC)
Tmax
=
Daily maximum temperature (oC)
T min
=
Daily minimum temperature (oC)
Dh
=
Heating degree days
Dc
=
Cooling degree days
Figure[3] shows the graphical representation of formula used for calculation of heating and cooling degree days.

46

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Key: B = Base Temperature (oC)

Tmax
= Daily maximum temperature (oC)
T min
= Daily minimum temperature ( oC)
Figure 3 .Degree day Formula

1.4. Database For Temperature

Accurate and reliable weather data are crucial for building energy simulations and analyses. The weather data being
used in energy analysis determines the accuracy and characteristics of the results. Therefore, the database used in an
energy analysis should cover a long period and depend on recent values .In this study, daily minimum and maximum
outdoor dry-bulb temperatures of recent years were used. The data obtained during at least 6 years were used in the
calculations. Daily mean temperatures were obtained by averaging the minimum and the maximum temperatures.
2. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Cooling Degree-day formula are used for calculating the degree days. The daily cooling degree-days is calculated
using the corresponding formula according to the relation between minimum, maximum and base temperature using
Excel spread sheets.
Table 1 to 11 shows the results of the spread sheets of monthly cooling degree days for base temperatures of
18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27 and 28 oC respectively.
Table 12 shows the average (2000 2005) annual cooling degree days for different base temperatures of
18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26, 27 and 28 oC.This indicates that 4.5 times increase in cooling degree days is noticed
when varying the basetemperature from 28 oC to 18 oC.
47

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Table 1. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 18 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year

2000

2001

2002

2003

Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual CDD

224.45
280.5
347.4
416.25
435.1
386
404.8
353.3
336.1
316.1
261.9
207.025
3968.925

232.3
268.65
365.65
382.5
459.2
398.75
416.05
391.8
357.8
319.85
264.8
226.5
4083.85

255.375
232
358
426.15
446.1
394.15
436.25
415.8
401
332.4
270.85
252.625
4220.7

Base18 oC
249.05
286.8
367
426.75
440.2
425.85
393.65
372.85
378
318.4
239.55
239.15
4137.25

2004

2005

231.75
260.85
363.7
442.4
384.05
392.85
388.75
411.15
336.6
304
240.4
233.45
3989.95

249.25
264.65
378.2
376.8
442.6
435.65
425.1
417.35
367.5
321.85
231
235.15
4145.1

Average

240.36
265.58
363.33
411.81
434.54
405.54
410.77
393.71
362.83
318.77
251.42
232.32
4090.96

Table 2. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 19 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November

2000

2001

2002

2004

2005

Average

225.50
204.15
327.00
396.15
415.10
364.15
405.25
384.80
371.00
301.40
240.85

2003
Base19 oC
218.15
258.80
336.00
396.75
409.20
395.85
362.65
341.85
348.00
287.40
209.55

193.70
251.63
316.40
386.25
404.10
356.00
373.80
322.30
306.10
285.10
232.15

201.30
240.95
334.65
352.50
428.20
368.75
385.05
360.80
327.80
288.85
234.80

202.35
231.95
332.85
412.40
353.05
362.85
357.75
380.15
306.60
273.00
210.40

218.70
236.88
347.20
346.80
411.60
405.65
394.10
386.35
337.50
290.85
201.00

209.95
237.39
332.35
381.81
403.54
375.54
379.77
362.71
332.83
287.77
221.46

December

177.00

195.95

221.93

208.90

202.45

204.15

201.73

Annual CDD

3604.53

3719.60

3857.28

3773.10

3625.80

3780.78

3726.85

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IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Table 3. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 20 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual CDD

2000

2001

2002

163.775
223.05
285.525
356.25
373.1
326
342.8
291.3
276.1
254.1
202.55
148.35
3242.90

170.725
214.425
303.65
322.5
397.2
338.75
354.05
329.8
297.8
257.85
204.8
166.85
3358.40

195.85
176.475
296
366.15
384.1
334.15
374.25
353.8
341
270.4
210.9
192.65
3495.73

2003
Base20 oC
187.95
230.8
305
366.75
378.3
365.85
331.65
310.85
318
256.4
179.675
179.675
3410.90

2004

2005

Average

174.7
204.675
302.425
382.4
322.05
332.85
326.75
349.15
276.6
242
180.4
172.55
3266.55

188.875
209.675
316.2
316.8
380.6
375.65
363.1
355.35
307.5
259.85
171.05
173.825
3418.48

180.31
209.85
301.47
351.81
372.56
345.54
348.77
331.71
302.83
256.77
191.56
172.32
3365.49

Table 4. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 21oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
CDD

2000

2001

2002

2004

2005

Average

160.525
184.4
285.45
286.8
349.6
345.65
332.1
324.35
277.5
228.85
141.9
144.625

2003
Base21 oC
160.1
203.025
274.225
336.75
347.55
335.85
300.65
279.85
288
225.4
149.925
151.675

135.5
194.55
255.4
326.25
342.1
296
311.8
260.3
246.1
223.325
173.3
121.25

142.175
188.775
272.725
292.5
366.2
308.75
323.05
298.8
267.8
226.85
174.825
138.525

148.075
180.175
273.1
352.4
291.05
302.85
295.75
318.15
246.6
211
150.525
144.2

160.525
184.4
285.45
286.8
349.6
345.65
332.1
324.35
277.5
228.85
141.9
144.625

151.15
189.22
274.39
313.58
341.02
322.46
315.91
300.97
267.25
224.05
155.40
140.82

2885.875

3000.975

3061.75

3053

2913.875

3061.75

2996.20

49

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Table 5. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 22 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual CDD

2000

2001

2002

109.025
166.95
225.5
296.25
311.1
266
280.85
229.3
216.15
192.7
144.7
95.775
2534.30

115.5
163.775
242.625
262.5
335.2
278.75
292.25
267.8
237.8
195.85
146.05
110.9
2649.00

139.4
124.9
235.225
306.15
322.1
274.15
312.25
291.8
281
208.4
152.1
139.9
2787.38

2003
Base22 oC
134.375
176.05
244.2
306.75
316.85
305.85
269.65
248.85
258
194.575
121
125
2701.15

2004

2005

Average

122.6
156.825
244.1
322.4
260.05
272.85
264.75
287.15
216.6
180
121.375
117.3
2566.00

134.025
160.55
255.375
256.8
318.6
315.65
301.1
293.35
247.5
197.85
113.725
116.4
2710.93

125.82
158.18
241.17
291.81
310.65
285.54
286.81
269.71
242.84
194.90
133.16
117.55
2658.13

Table 6 . Cooling Degree days at base temperature 23 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual CDD

2000

2001

2002

85.15
140.13
196.45
266.48
280.33
236.00
250.43
198.48
186.63
162.63
117.35
71.80
2191.83

90.80
139.33
214.28
232.63
304.50
248.75
261.50
236.85
208.08
165.03
118.83
85.98
2306.53

113.90
103.00
207.08
276.15
291.13
244.15
281.25
260.80
251.00
177.53
123.90
115.28
2445.15

50

2003
Base 23 oC
110.28
150.90
215.28
276.75
286.73
275.85
238.65
217.98
228.18
164.33
94.80
100.45
2360.15

2004

2005

Average

98.65
134.08
215.85
292.40
229.13
242.85
233.78
256.15
186.60
149.80
93.85
91.73
2224.85

109.25
137.75
225.95
227.00
287.70
285.65
270.10
262.35
217.50
167.60
86.60
89.75
2367.20

101.34
134.20
212.48
261.90
279.92
255.54
255.95
238.77
213.00
164.48
105.89
92.50
2315.95

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Table 7. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 24 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
CDD

2000

2001

2002

2005

Average

91.05
82.70
180.23
246.15
260.40
214.63
250.25
229.90
221.45
148.10
97.50
91.98

2003
2004
Base 24 oC
86.88
75.83
127.73
111.73
187.78
189.50
246.75
262.48
256.90
198.78
246.23
212.85
207.95
203.25
187.83
225.15
198.88
157.93
135.60
121.38
71.73
70.35
77.70
67.78

61.90
115.65
168.75
236.90
250.18
206.00
220.43
168.20
158.43
134.38
93.03
50.63

67.33
116.68
187.90
203.23
274.00
218.75
231.03
206.10
179.23
135.55
93.85
62.90

85.95
115.80
197.08
197.38
257.23
255.65
239.23
231.48
188.05
138.80
61.95
66.63

78.15
111.71
185.20
232.15
249.58
225.68
225.35
208.11
183.99
135.63
81.40
69.60

1864.45

1976.53

2114.33

2031.93

2035.20

1986.57

1896.98

Table 8. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 25 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
CDD

2000

2001

2002

2004

2005

Average

70.63
63.08
154.30
216.23
229.95
185.45
219.48
199.20
192.58
121.00
74.78
69.85

2003
Base25 oC
63.85
105.93
161.30
217.48
227.45
216.83
178.08
159.48
171.08
110.78
50.25
57.28

40.40
93.60
143.30
207.40
220.48
176.00
190.50
139.65
132.45
109.30
71.03
36.30

45.45
95.53
162.25
174.75
243.50
189.18
200.93
175.83
151.93
109.15
70.95
42.45

56.78
89.73
164.23
233.05
169.43
183.13
173.05
194.30
131.68
96.43
49.38
46.70

63.73
94.75
169.73
168.50
227.53
225.65
208.90
201.33
160.00
112.65
41.88
47.00

56.80
90.43
159.18
202.90
219.72
196.04
195.15
178.30
156.62
109.88
59.71
49.93

1560.40

1661.88

1796.50

1719.75

1587.85

1721.63

1674.67

51

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Table 9: Cooling Degree days at base temperature 26 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
CDD

2000

2001

2002

2005

Average

52.20
45.73
129.38
187.03
200.25
157.25
188.80
168.95
165.40
96.93
54.10
54.75

2003
2004
o
Base26 C
43.43
43.15
84.73
68.30
136.65
140.08
189.40
204.05
198.38
141.85
188.00
154.93
149.58
144.40
132.85
164.18
146.53
107.78
87.43
74.58
33.20
31.55
41.10
31.25

27.60
72.85
119.75
178.93
191.78
147.10
161.83
114.20
108.75
85.90
52.08
25.43

30.53
75.20
137.08
147.95
213.35
160.50
171.25
147.38
126.90
85.13
50.20
28.38

45.73
74.03
143.63
140.75
198.68
195.85
179.00
172.48
134.10
89.25
27.20
31.95

40.44
70.14
134.43
174.68
190.71
167.27
165.81
150.00
131.58
86.53
41.39
35.48

1286.18

1373.83

1500.75

1431.25

1432.63

1388.45

1306.08

Table 10. Cooling Degree days at base temperature 27 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
CDD

2000

2001

2002

2004

2005

Average

37.25
31.55
105.75
160.85
171.85
131.80
159.73
141.90
141.43
74.20
36.45
43.33

2003
Base 27 oC
32.25
64.23
113.35
163.38
170.03
161.10
123.78
108.73
123.93
64.65
21.08
28.95

19.40
53.08
97.03
153.03
164.33
121.53
135.88
90.78
86.15
63.15
34.93
16.98

21.13
58.55
113.15
124.28
184.63
133.90
143.50
122.25
104.18
63.83
33.73
19.55

31.13
51.15
117.10
176.23
116.05
129.48
118.43
137.25
85.33
54.38
19.30
21.00

32.55
55.95
118.95
115.65
170.75
166.95
150.58
145.15
110.78
67.58
17.40
20.65

28.95
52.42
110.89
148.90
162.94
140.79
138.65
124.34
108.63
64.63
27.15
25.08

1036.23

1122.65

1236.08

1175.43

1056.80

1172.93

1133.35

52

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Table 11. Cooling Degree-days at base temperature 28 oC for Tiruchirappalli

Year
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual CDD

2000

2001

2002

12.00
37.58
76.03
129.98
139.93
98.93
111.98
67.58
64.73
42.88
22.60
10.23
814.40

13.18
44.35
91.23
101.98
158.35
110.83
119.68
99.15
81.83
44.33
21.58
12.55
899.00

25.88
23.85
83.25
138.05
146.20
108.83
135.58
118.60
118.85
53.35
24.20
33.45
1010.08

2003
Base 28 oC
24.35
46.40
90.83
139.78
143.63
137.68
99.85
85.68
101.43
44.90
13.35
20.30
948.15

2004

2005

Average

22.05
40.05
96.25
151.50
93.80
106.53
95.10
113.98
65.25
38.18
11.88
13.15
847.70

23.08
41.80
95.90
94.28
144.25
140.95
125.28
120.95
88.03
47.53
10.08
12.00
944.10

20.09
39.00
88.91
125.93
137.69
117.29
114.58
100.99
86.68
45.19
17.28
16.95
910.57

Table 12. Average Annual Cooling Degree days

Annual
CDD

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Base
18

Base
19

Base
20

Base
21

Base
22

Base
23

239.34
271.02
366.69
403.58
433.96
412.46
408.91
393.97
357.25
317.01
244.78
229.40
4078.4

208.82
242.85
335.72
373.58
402.96
382.46
377.91
362.97
327.25
286.01
214.82
198.77
3714.1

179.15
215.38
304.83
343.58
371.98
352.46
346.91
331.97
297.25
255.01
184.92
169.18
3352.6

151.15
189.22
274.39
313.58
341.02
322.46
315.91
300.97
267.25
224.05
155.40
140.82
2996.2

124.93
164.12
244.53
283.58
310.07
292.46
284.95
269.97
237.26
193.14
126.76
113.63
2645.4

100.56
139.99
215.63
253.71
279.35
262.46
254.09
239.03
207.41
162.83
99.67
88.24
2302.9

53

Base
24

Base
25

Base 26

Base
27

Base
28

77.30
117.23
188.01
224.02
249.05
232.52
223.52
208.37
178.43
134.08
75.48
65.38
1973.4

55.65
95.71
161.75
194.95
219.32
202.74
193.39
178.65
151.19
108.49
54.23
46.12
1662.2

39.36
74.85
136.80
166.97
190.45
173.70
164.18
150.59
126.36
85.25
36.90
31.68
1377.1

28.95
52.42
110.89
148.90
162.94
140.79
138.65
124.34
108.63
64.63
27.15
25.08
1133.4

20.09
39.00
88.91
125.93
137.69
117.29
114.58
100.99
86.68
45.19
17.28
16.95
910.57

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Figure[4] indicates the variation of average monthly cooling degree days with months for base temperature 28 oC.

Figure 4. Variation of average monthly cooling degree-days with month

The relation is found to be
y = 0.3337 x3 10.273 x2 + 81.194x -64.658
R2 = 0.9419
(1)
Where x =Month Number (i.e.) January =1,Febrauary=2,.December=12.
y=Monthly average cooling degree days.
Figure [5] shows Variation of cooling degree days with different months for base temperatures of 18 o C to 280 C
CDD with different months with different base temperature.

500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
0

Base18
Base19
Base20
Base21
Base22
Base23
Base24
Base25

Ja

n
F uar
eb y
ru
ar
M y
ar
ch
A
pr
il
M
ay
Ju
ne
Ju
A ly
S ug
ep u
t e st
m
O ber
c
N to b
ov e
e r
D mb
ec e
em r
be
r

Monthly CDD

Month Vs Average Annual CDD

Base26
Base 27
Base 28

M onth

Figure 5 . Variation of CDD with different months with different base temperature
Figure [6] shows the relation between annual cooling degree days and base temperature for Triuchirapalli.
Following equation represents the Figure [6]
Y=-322.08X +9784.7
R2 =0.9952
(2)
Where Y=Annual cooling degree days.
X=Base temperature (18o C to 280 C)

54

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Annual CDD

Base Temperature inoC Vs Annual CDD

4500
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0

y = -322.08x + 9784.7
2

R = 0.9952
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
o

Temperature in C

Figure 6. Variation of yearly cooling degree days with different base temperature for Tiruchirappalli
2.1. Energy Loss Calculation
Fabric Loss
The U-value of a material or structure is the rate at which heat will pass through a given area for a given temperature
difference. It is a property of the material in a structure and is usually measured in watts per square metre per degree
Celsius (W/m2 /0C).
Cooling Energy Lost = U * Annual CDD * 24 kWh/year/m2
1000
The specification of walls, roofs in India and their U values are given in Appendix I & Appendix II respectively.
Base temperature =180C then annual cooling degree days =4078.36
If minimum U value of .8W/m2/Cis considered for walls then cooling Energy loss = 78.3 kWh/year/m 2.
If maximum of U value of wall 4.12 W/C is considered cooling energy loss is 403.3 kWh/year/m 2.
No. of units saved per year/m2 =325.Percentage savings in energy is 80.6.
Table: 13 Indicates the energy that could be saved at different base temperature by going for the best U value
material for construction.
Table 13. Effect of U value on Energy Loss
Base
Temp(C)

CDD

Energy loss With U= 0.8

Energy Loss with

U= 4.12

Energy saved
kWh / year/m2

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

4078.36
3714.1
3352.62
2996.2
2645.38
2302.96
1973.38
1662.19
1377.1
1133.35
910.57

78.30
71.31
64.37
57.53
50.79
44.22
37.89
31.91
26.44
21.76
17.48

403.27
367.25
331.51
296.26
261.58
227.72
195.13
164.36
136.17
112.07
90.04

325
295.94
267.14
238.77
210.79
183.5
157.24
132.35
109.73
90.31
72.56

2.2. Proper Base Temperature

Although it is widely accepted, where possible, an appropriate base temperature for degree days should be selected
with regard to the application concerned, and the best way to deal with occupancy and other correction to alter the
base temperature
55

IJRRAS 8 (1) July 2011

Priya & al. Analysis of Cooling Degree Days

Base temperature = 18C Cooling Degree days 40784

Base temperature =28C
Cooling degree days=910.6
If U value considered
= 0.8 W/m2/C
Energy loss at 18C
= 78.30 kWh/year/m2
Energy Loss at 28C
= 17.48 kWh/year/m2
Percentage Energy savings = 77.7
Table: 14 Indicates the Energy loss calculated for various base temperatures.
Table14. Effect of Base temperature on Energy Loss
Base
Temp (C)

CDD

Energy loss
KWh/year/m2

18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28

4078.36
3714.1
3352.62
2996.2
2645.38
2302.96
1973.38
1662.19
1377.1
1133.35
910.57

78.30
71.31
64.37
57.53
50.79
44.22
37.89
31.91
26.44
21.76
17.48

Energy Loss if base

temp = 28 C
KWh/year/m2
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48
17.48

Energy savings

77.67
75.48
72.84
69.61
65.58
60.46
53.86
45.22
33.88
19.66
0.00

3 . CONCLUSION
The impact of cooling degree days on building design parameters for computing energy demand for cooling was
investigated in this study. The cooling degree-days with variable-base temperatures for Tiruchirappalli are
determined using long-term measured data. Base temperatures of 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27and 28 oC are
chosen in the calculation of cooling degree-days. Yearly cooling degree-days are given in tabular forms for
Tiruchirapalli. Average annual cooling degree day is related with the base temperature with a correlation coefficient
of 0.995. Calculations are also made to show the effect of base temperature and material of construction on energy
savings.
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their gratitude to Meteorology station at Tiruchirappalli for providing all the data and
NIT,Tiruchirappalli for providing all the facilities for carrying out this work.
5.
[1].
[2].
[3].
[4].
[5].
[6].
[7].
[8].
[9].
[10].
[11].
[12].
[13].

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