An-Najah National University 

Faculty of Graduate Studies 

 
NET ZERO ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN 

PALESTINE; CASE STUDY: THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

PALESTINIAN CROSSINGS AND BORDERS – JERICHO 

 
By 

Alaa Ibkar Hader Qatrawi 

 
 

 

Supervisor 

Dr. Imad Ibrik 

  
This Thesis is Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree 

of Master of Clean Energy Engineering & Conservation of Consumption, Faculty 

of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine. 

2024 



II 

 
NET ZERO ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN 

PALESTINE; CASE STUDY: THE ADMINISTRATION OF 

PALESTINIAN CROSSINGS AND BORDERS – JERICHO 

 

 

By  

Alaa Ibkar Hader Qatrawi 

 

 

This Thesis was Defended Successfully on 09/10/2024 and approved by 

Dr. Imad Ibrik  

Supervisor 

 

Signature 

Dr. Mahmoud Ismail 

External Examiner 

 

Signature 

Dr. Abdelrahim Abusafa  

Internal Examiner 

 

Signature      



III 

Dedication  

الذي أرجو من هللا أن يكون في ميزان الحمدهلل الذي مَّن علي بالصبر والمثابرة الستكمال هذا العمل 

 ..حسناتي وأن ينفع به كل باحث عن خير و منفعة

  ...أما بعد 

 ...فما بي من نعمة فمن خالقي ... هللا الواحد االحد الفرد الصمد 

 ...الى من علمني المثابرة والتضحية ... والدي العزيز، أُهدي الى روحك الطيبة هذا اإلنجاز 

 ...الى والدتي الغالية ... أطال هللا بعمرك بالصحة والعافية 

 ..الى أخي وأخواتي ... أدامكم هللا ذخرًا وسنداً 

 ... الى زوجتي وبناتي العزيزات

 الفضل ...الى كل أولئك الذين قدر هللا بيني وبينهم الخير و 

 ...أُهدي اليكم جميعا هذا العمل ... امتنانًا وشكرًا 

 دعوانا أن الحمدهلل رب العالمين"" وآخر 

 

 

  



IV 

Acknowledgements  

I would like to express my gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Imad Ibrik for his valuable 

guidance and generous manners. 

Special thanks for Dr. Abdelrahim Abusafa and for all my teachers in An Najah National 

University. 

 

 

 

  



V 

Declaration 

I, the undersigned, declare that I submitted the thesis entitled: 

NET ZERO ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN PALESTINE; 

CASE STUDY: THE ADMINISTRATION OF PALESTINIAN 

CROSSINGS AND BORDERS – JERICHO 

I declare that the work provided in this thesis, unless otherwise referenced, is the 

researcher’s own work, and has not been submitted elsewhere for any other degree or 

qualification. 

Student's Name:            Alaa Ibkar Hader Qatrawi 

Signature:                      Alaa Qatrawi 

Date:                              09/10/2024  

  



VI 

List of Contents 

Dedication ....................................................................................................................... III 

Acknowledgements ......................................................................................................... IV 

Declaration ....................................................................................................................... V 

List of Contents ............................................................................................................... VI 

List of Tables ................................................................................................................ VIII 

List of Figures ................................................................................................................. IX 

List of Appendices ........................................................................................................... X 

Abstract ........................................................................................................................... XI 

Chapter One: Introduction and Theoretical Background .................................................. 1 

1.1 A problem statement & Objectives ............................................................................ 2 

1.2 The importance of this study ..................................................................................... 3 

1.3 Concepts and Literature Review ................................................................................ 3 

1.4 Energy conservation strategies for lighting ............................................................... 6 

1.4.1 Exploiting daylight .................................................................................................. 7 

1.4.2 De-lamping .............................................................................................................. 8 

1.4.3 Replacing lamp ........................................................................................................ 9 

1.4.4 Control ..................................................................................................................... 9 

1.5 Energy conservation strategies for HVAC system ................................................... 10 

1.5.1 Solar chimney ........................................................................................................ 11 

1.5.2 Absorption / Adsorption Cycle .............................................................................. 11 

1.5.3 Geothermal cooling ............................................................................................... 12 

1.5.4 Air-conditioning energy recovery systems ............................................................ 13 

1.6 Smart building ......................................................................................................... 13 

1.7 Adaptive façade ....................................................................................................... 14 

1.8 Benefits of NZEB .................................................................................................... 15 

Chapter Two: Methodology for NZEB ........................................................................... 16 

2.1 Methodology for lighting system............................................................................. 16 

2.2 Methodology for HVAC system .............................................................................. 17 

2.3 Methodology for solar water heating system ........................................................... 17 

2.4 Methodology for Renewable system ....................................................................... 17 

2.5 About the case study and general description .......................................................... 19 

Chapter Three: The Results & Analysis of NZEB .......................................................... 20 

3.1 Current situation in GACB ...................................................................................... 20 



VII 

3.2 Lighting Analysis & Suggested Measures ............................................................... 22 

3.2.1 Measures and opportunities for lighting ................................................................ 23 

3.2.1.1 Measure-1: "Roof skylight for Arrivals Hall" ..................................................... 24 

3.2.1.2 Measure-2: "De-lamping & Replacement at Arrivals Hall" ............................... 26 

3.2.1.3 Measure-3: "Install Control System for Arrivals Hall" ....................................... 28 

3.2.2 Benchmark and Estimation ................................................................................... 28 

3.2.3 Lighting in the parking area .................................................................................. 30 

3.2.4 Lighting at the Entrance of the Hall ...................................................................... 30 

3.2.5 Additional opportunity for external lighting ......................................................... 30 

3.3 HVAC Analysis & Suggested Measures .................................................................. 31 

3.3.1 Measure -1: "Retrofitting of Building Specifications" .......................................... 31 

3.3.2 Measure -2: "Improvement of the performance of cooling device" ...................... 33 

3.3.2.1 Scenario -1: "Using PV system to drive the current cooling device" ................. 33 

3.3.2.2 Scenario-2: "VRF unit with PV system" ............................................................. 34 

3.3.2.3 Scenario -3: "Solar absorption chiller with evacuated tube" .............................. 35 

3.3.2.4 Scenario - 4: "Do-Nothing" ................................................................................. 36 

3.3.3 Measure -3: "Replace Split Unit with VRF" ......................................................... 36 

3.4 Solar Water Heater System ...................................................................................... 37 

3.5 PV system of NZEB ................................................................................................ 38 

3.6 Economic Analysis of NZEB ................................................................................... 39 

3.6.1 Lighting ................................................................................................................. 39 

3.6.2 Feasibility study for scenarios of HVAC devices .................................................. 39 

3.6.3 Feasibility study for overall NZEB case: .............................................................. 41 

3.7 Environmental Analysis of NZEB ........................................................................... 44 

Chapter Four: Discussion and Conclusions .................................................................... 46 

4.1 Limitations & Challenges ........................................................................................ 46 

4.2 Action plan for Implementation ............................................................................... 47 

4.3 Discussion ................................................................................................................ 47 

4.4 Conclusions.............................................................................................................. 49 

4.5 Future work .............................................................................................................. 50 

List of Abbreviations ...................................................................................................... 51 

References ....................................................................................................................... 52 

Appendices ...................................................................................................................... 60 

 ب .............................................................................................................................. الـملخص

 



VIII 

List of Tables 
  

Table 1.1: Illumination level for some spaces and activities ............................................ 8 

Table 3.1: The Main Loads & Energy Consumption ...................................................... 21 

Table 3.2: Current status of Lux level ............................................................................. 23 

Table 3.3: Energy saving by De-lamping & Replacement ............................................. 29 

Table 3.4: Component Cost of HVAC scenarios ............................................................ 40 

Table 3.5: The result of economic analysis of HVAC Scenarios .................................... 40 

Table 3.6: Summary of total annual Energy saving ........................................................ 41 

Table 3.7: Summary of retrofitting Cost ......................................................................... 42 

Table 3.8: Summary of economic data ........................................................................... 43 

Table 3.9 Economic analysis result ................................................................................. 43 

 

  



IX 

List of Figures 

Figure 1.1: Net zero energy concept ................................................................................. 4 

Figure 1.2: Conservation Strategies of lighting ................................................................ 7 

Figure 1.3: Conservation strategies of HVAC ................................................................ 11 

Figure 1.4: Absorption Cycle .......................................................................................... 12 

Figure 2.1: Methodology Flow chart .............................................................................. 18 

Figure 3.1: Consumption of electricity for two years ..................................................... 20 

Figure 3.2: Net Energy per year [kWh] .......................................................................... 22 

Figure 3.3: Simulation of measure-1 .............................................................................. 25 

Figure 3.4: Simulation of measure-2 .............................................................................. 27 

Figure 3.5: Net cash flow ................................................................................................ 44 

  



X 

List of Appendices 

Appendix A: Tables ......................................................................................................... 60 

Table A.1: Luminous efficacy of different lamp ............................................................. 60 

Table A.2: Saving by control system .............................................................................. 60 

Table A.3: Working hours of different loads throughout year ........................................ 60 

Table A.4: The Net annual saving of measures of lighting ............................................. 60 

Table A.5: Information of PV system ............................................................................. 61 

Table A.6: Details of Analysis for HVAC scenarios ....................................................... 61 

Table A.7: Retrofitting Cost of lighting system .............................................................. 63 

Table A.8: Details of economic analysis of NZEB ......................................................... 63 

Table A.9: Tasks Categorization ..................................................................................... 63 

Appendix B: Lighting simulation of Arrival Hall -Without modification- Report ......... 65 

Appendix C: Lighting simulation of Arrival Hall - with skylight - Report .................... 67 

Appendix D: Philips datasheet ........................................................................................ 68 

Appendix E: Lighting simulation of Arrival Hall - Lamp only- Report ......................... 70 

Appendix F: Energy evaluation Report of lighting in Arrival Hall ................................ 72 

Appendix G: Summary of Simulation for Arrival Hall by HAP in Current Situation .... 75 

Appendix H: Summary of Simulation for Arrival Hall by HAP After Retrofitting ........ 77 

Appendix I: The results of PVSYST simulation in details ............................................. 79 

Appendix J: Figures ........................................................................................................ 87 

Figure J.1: Solar Tube /Light Duct ................................................................................. 87 

Figure J.2: Hybrid solar lighting system ......................................................................... 87 

Figure J.3: Configuration of lighting control system ...................................................... 88 

Figure J.4: Economic comparison of lighting conservation strategies ........................... 88 

Figure J.5: Principle of solar chimney ............................................................................ 89 

Figure J.6: Jericho weather ............................................................................................. 89 

Figure J.7: Aerial photograph ......................................................................................... 90 

Figure J.8: Single line diagram of main electrical board ................................................ 90 

Figure J.9: Cooling load at max. day of Aug. (simulation by HAP) .............................. 91 

Figure J.10: The suggested solar absorption HVAC system ........................................... 91 

Figure J.11: Simulation result of lighting for parking 3 & 4 .......................................... 92 

Figure J.12: General time frame of GACB transition ..................................................... 92 



XI 

NET ZERO ENERGY IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS IN PALESTINE; 

CASE STUDY: THE ADMINISTRATION OF PALESTINIAN 

CROSSINGS AND BORDERS – JERICHO 

 By  

Alaa Ibkar Hader Qatrawi 

Supervisors  

Dr. Imad Ibrik 

Abstract 

The electrical demand for public buildings in Jericho is steadily increasing on an annual 

basis, particularly for cooling purposes and in view of the global warming challenge. Net 

zero energy aims to achieve balance of annual energy consumption with annual 

generation under more efficient conditions. Implementing the vision of net zero energy 

necessitates a comprehensive study for each case as an individual. The primary goal of 

this research is to highlight various opportunities and measures of energy conservation in 

Jericho's public buildings, with the goal of reducing annual costs by leveraging 

sustainable energy practices. The methodology in this work relies extensively on 

simulation software to evaluate multiple saving measures and scenarios. The findings 

reveal that implementing net zero energy can achieve about (33 %) as annual energy 

savings, and (1250 Tons) annual reduction of CO2 after installation of a PV system. 

Moreover, the analysis shows that the simple payback period for achieving net zero 

energy status is less than four years, also the levelized cost of energy is about (0.06 

$/kWh). These promising results motivate to adopt an effective strategy through the next 

twenty years in Jericho to support the transition toward the net zero energy building. 

Keywords: NZEB, Energy auditing, Conservation measures.  



1 

Chapter One 

Introduction and Theoretical Background 

In 2021, the total electrical Energy consumption in Palestine is more than (6680 GWh), 

as reported by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics [1], and approximately (23 %) 

of this amount was attributed to public & commercial sectors. The electrical energy needs 

are one of the main financial burdens, and the cost of energy is the highest in the region 

that in no way appropriately reflects the average income for Palestinians [2]. Non-

availability of natural resources, unstable of political conditions, and 87% of electric 

energy is imported from other countries [3]; these three facts can describe the critical 

situation of energy sector in Palestine now, and cause a negative impact on quality of life 

of Palestinian residents and make them low interest in environmental issues. The State of 

Palestine is one of the developing countries that continually trying to enhance the 

concepts of energy security and independence of the energy sector, so it encourages 

investment in renewable energy fields, initiates projects, and formulates plans and 

strategies that contribute to achieving these goals [4]. Also, the Palestinian green building 

council (PGBC) has been established on the last few years as a non-governmental 

organization (NGO) which involves several qualified professionals from Palestine within 

this field [5]. 

The case study is “The General Administration of Crossings & Borders (GACB) – in 

Jericho”, that will be presented as a sample of a public building, where the concept of Net 

Zero Energy Building (NZEB) will be applied and examined from technical, economic 

and environmental perspective. GACB is the authorized body responsible for managing 

the crossing points across the Palestinian borders, regulating and documenting the 

movement of travelers across the King Hussein Bridge (Al-Karama Bridge) that connects 

the West Bank with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Several facilities under the 

umbrella of GACB provide services to travelers and pilgrims through Al-krama Bridge, 

where significant annual consumption of electrical energy is required to run passenger 

halls, security offices, and other administrative facilities.  

  



2 

1.1 A problem statement & Objectives 

Palestine suffers from a lack of diversity of energy sources and shortage of energy, and 

the political issues prevent Palestinians from getting benefits of their natural resources, 

furthermore the annual population growth in Palestine increases the annual needs. Energy 

crisis – especially in electricity- increases year by year and causes the frequent outages 

that are often scheduled and managed in proportion to the available quantities and demand 

of electrical energy, in which negatively effects on quality of Palestinians' life and 

production rates.  

On the other hand, the facilities of GACB were built over different periods of time and 

with different technical aspects, so a comprehensive study is necessary to identify fields 

of deficiency and explore the potential of improvements, furthermore show how 

sustainable systems can be employed in public buildings to achieve the NZEB concept to 

reduce the annual cost and improve the energy security concept. 

On the other hand, the facilities of the (GACB) were constructed during different time 

periods and with varying technical specifications. So, a comprehensive assessment is 

required to identify deficiencies and evaluate potential areas for improvement. This study 

will also demonstrate how sustainable systems can be integrated into public buildings to 

implement the (NZEB) concept, with the aim of reducing annual operational costs and 

enhancing energy security. 

Objectives can be summarized as:  

1) Discuss the concept of Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) through realistic case study.  

2) Assessment of the loads and verify the performance of the systems. 

3) Identify the squandering points of electrical system and explore the potential of 

improvements. 

4) Exploit sustainable ideas and renewable systems to cover energy demand and reduce 

dependency on traditional sources. 

5) Discuss the suggested solution from economic and environment perspective. 

  



3 

1.2 The importance of this study 

This thesis aims to conduct a comprehensive study and perform calculations on the 

proposed case to assess the loads and verify the performance of the systems. Then 

proposed solutions and recommendations will be shown to enhance specific sectors where 

energy is squandered, to improve the overall efficiency of the building and reduce the 

energy consumption. On the other hand, renewable energy, especially solar systems, can 

be suggested to cover energy demand and reduce dependency on traditional sources. In 

addition, economic issues and environmental impact will be discussed through this 

sample. 

The case study can reflect the energy situations in other public buildings as institutions, 

ministries, municipalities…etc., where the energy loss must be considered a form of 

corruption and squandering of public funds.  So, the importance of this study lies in 

bringing attention to a wide range of public buildings that should undergo examination 

and auditing to reveal weaknesses, especially the several governmental buildings that 

were built without taking into account the green building codes or conservation strategies, 

furthermore the main reasons for the loss in energy are due to old technical means used, 

low maintenance and less professional technicians [6]. Another motivation for this study 

is the hope that the results of this work can be considered as a good guidance plan for 

others in the journey of transition toward NZEB.  

1.3 Concepts and Literature Review   

In the 1970s, worldwide began to give attention to energy conservation concepts as a 

response to the effects of the energy crisis, which caused increasing in the demand and 

price of energy. At that time, keywords like: “Saving measures, energy saving” were 

discussed in studies, and throughout the years these terms evolved into subjects like: 

“Low energy building, nearly energy building, net zero energy building” [7].  

Many definitions for the concept of “net zero energy buildings” can be found in the 

literature. In simple words, it can be defined as “The building that consumes total annual 

energy is equal to the renewable energy which is produced on site.” 



4 

Figure 1.1 

Net zero energy concept 

 
Source: R. K. Jaysawal, S. Chakraborty, D. Elangovan, and S. Padmanaban, “Concept of net zero energy 

buildings (NZEB) - A literature review,” Clean Eng Technol, vol. 11, p. 100582, Dec. 2022, doi: 

10.1016/J.CLET.2022.100582 

A Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB) concept was discussed in the literature as one of the 

strategies to reduce greenhouse emissions and energy consumption by achieving a high 

level of energy efficiency. Iqbal (2004) considered the building as NZEB if it consumes 

from renewable energy technologies, where no fossil fuels are needed [8[ ,]9] . While 

Corrado V. & others (2016), refer to the NZEB as a more energy-efficient building [10]. 

The research in this field referred to the feasibility of the transformation to NZEB to 

achieve high performance and low emissions [11], in which this concept became more 

available in technology, renewable systems, and knowledge.  

The shortage of energy and the effects of climate change have raised people's concerns 

about the current trends in energy consumption [12]. Energy reduction and minimizing 

the carbon footprint of the building sector are essential requirements to meet worldwide 

environmental goals and avoid climate change risks [13], [14]. The NZEB concept can 

be discussed through several related terms like: high-performance building, smart and 

green strategies, renewable energy technologies, continuous monitoring, and energy 

management techniques in respect of achieving these goals and reducing the shortage. 

The reduction of energy consumption in public buildings is a priority indicated in 

European Directive 2010/31/EU (EU Parliament 2010)[15]. The energy audit is an 

important activity in making energy control and operation costs [16]. An energy audit 

means to understand all circumstances of an electrical system and its components to 



5 

achieve efficient use of resources and reduce the cost of operations. The energy sector is 

responsible for about 61% of greenhouse gases (GHG) [17], so the energy audit and other 

measures became take place to mitigate negative effects through improving the efficiency 

of energy use and energy management. 

It is noteworthy, the law of regulation of energy auditing services that was issued by the 

Palestinian Energy and Natural Resources Authority, to emphasize the importance of 

energy performance in Palestine, in which the studies referred to the strong relationship 

between energy performance and the performance of regulations in the energy sector[18]. 

Through looking at several researches in the literature, good indications about many 

opportunities to achieve energy conservation and increase the efficiency of energy usage. 

Energy consumption in government office buildings of Bengkulu-Indonesia was 

improved by applying energy efficiency recommendations where about (13%) reduction 

of energy consumption [19]. In Oman, an energy audit was conducted for the 

governmental building to reduce the annual energy consumption, where the result was a 

38.5% reduction in energy needs, through applying some measures as switching off the 

HVAC systems outside the occupancy hours, increasing the thermostat setpoint, 

reduction the infiltration of air, and the improvement of the lighting system [20]. (Ali 

Alajmi, Kuwait) suggested recommendations - in his research on education facilities – 

that can make a saving by 52% annually and reduce CO2 by 648 tons/year, while the 

payback period is less than 6 months[21]. In the Assiut International Airport terminal 

building, Egypt, where the study was carried out to reduce energy consumption and 

improve human comfort, then the reduction equal to (24.5%) of total energy consumption 

during the hot months based on increasing HVAC set point temperature from (25 ℃) to 

(27 ℃) [22]. (M. Elnaggar) focused on solar water heater (SWH) and solar air heater 

(SAH) systems in Gaza, Palestine, and the results indicated that high potential for energy 

saving, good payback period, and in addition can reduce CO2 emission by 17306.6 and 

16378.57 kg/yr. respectively[23], so that represents good opportunities in public 

buildings if SWH and SAH are used, which prompt the energy security concept and 

sustainable environment by reduction of greenhouse gases. About (35%) reduction of 

electrical energy as a result of auditing and analysis work by (Sait H., 2013) that applied 

some recommendations for A/C systems and gave attention to building insulation [24]. 

(Ibrik & others) mention - through a study conducted in 2005 in Palestine – the most 



6 

prominent measures that can be employed to improve energy efficiency through: efficient 

lighting systems, new technology of refrigerators, solar water heaters, high-efficiency 

motors, review HVAC settings and improve power factor[25]. Note that these measures 

represent the main options that can be applied to improve the overall consumption inside 

the public facilities. Also, another study was conducted for residential buildings in 

Palestine, where the result of the study was up to (59%) reduction of the total energy 

consumed in residential buildings by applying the three levels of the energy retrofitting 

plan [26]. 

Moreover, adopting conscious energy consumption behavior leads to energy savings, bill 

reduction, and preservation of natural and environmental resources. (Brounen D. & 

others) refers to the positive effect of user awareness, energy literacy and usage behavior 

as important issues in conservation topics [27]. 

It is noteworthy, the transition to NZEB is closely related to employing renewable 

technologies to reduce cost and improve sustainability. In the worldwide, about 28% of 

global electricity generation depends on renewable resources – like hydropower, wind, 

biomass, CSP & solar energy- that represent an important alternative for reducing 

greenhouse gas emissions and energy poverty [28]. All types of renewable technology 

can be part of the NZEB case to achieve zero energy balance [29], but until now in 

Palestine, solar energy is the most realistic technology to produce electrical energy or 

thermal energy where 3000 sunshine hours yearly and (5.4 kWh/𝑚2/day) as average solar 

radiation[30]. Even though solar panel efficiency is still relatively low (18%) [31], it has 

become the most popular option and available technology that can contribute to meeting 

electricity demands and reducing reliance on traditional forms of energy. However, I think 

several renewable technologies can serve NZEB concept in Palestine if political 

restrictions and economic issues are treated in the future, thus promoting the concept of 

distributed generation and energy security.  

1.4 Energy conservation strategies for lighting 

In worldwide, about (19 %) of electrical energy is consumed by artificial lighting, while 

14 % in the European Union [32]. Commercial building needs about 20% of expenses for 

illumination goals [33]. Therefore, performing energy auditing for lighting systems may 



7 

reveal the squandering points of energy and then lead to make reduction, through carrying 

out some measures and retrofitting to increase the overall efficiency.  

Some strategies are simple or no cost, as awareness and some instructions can make a 

difference in electrical needs monthly.  Also, selecting interior colors represents another 

axiomatic method to improve lighting inside the space. But the impact of these measures 

remains limited, so other measures will be drawn to attention as Figure (1.2) that 

summarize the main ways to improve the performance of the lighting system. 

Figure 1.2 

Conservation Strategies of lighting 

 

1.4.1 Exploiting daylight 

Several researchers refer to the advantages of using technologies that depend on daylight 

as a source to light up internal spaces, not from energy saving perspective only but from 

a healthy perspective too, where the natural light improves psychological well-being and 

the positive effects of biological process in human body to produce and absorb the 

vitamins…etc. Artificial light includes undesirable light spectra as UV and infrared rays 

that have negative effects. Windows and glazing walls are the axiomatic method and 

simplest way to utilize the daylight, but sometimes lighting from windows is not enough 

so skylight methods can be employed architecturally through domes or glazing roofs. 

Solar Tube Technology and Optical Fiber Technology are new styles of skylight windows, 

that transfer the sun rays from the roof of the building to internal space and underground 

floors through tubes or Fiber cables in serpentine or zigzag paths. These technologies 

consist of three mains components: collector on the roof, tunnel or tube that includes 

reflection materials, and light diffuser located inside the space [34]. “Solar light duct” is 

another name that may be used to describe the same principle of lighting technology, 



8 

where special ducts and components are used to transfer sun rays entire multi-floor 

building, as figure (J.1) in appendix J. 

A hybrid solar lighting system is similar to tube technology, which combines sunlight and 

artificial light to guarantee a constant level of illumination inside space. The collectors - 

in this method- is divided into two parts: Photovoltaic panel and Fresnel lens, while the 

diffuser contains led lamp. And figure (J.2) -in appendix J- shows a simple configuration 

of the hybrid method. 

(Han, Hyun Joo & others) refer to (174) kWh/annually saving by using a Hybrid system 

with (17 lm/W) efficacy LED lamp to light up small space (880) hours as a special 

experiment to examine the technical feasibility of this method [35]. 

1.4.2 De-lamping 

This measure involves reducing the number of lighting fixtures or removing some of them 

entirely within the designated area. It is recognized as an effective and low-cost strategy 

for minimizing energy consumption and lowering maintenance expenses too. The 

procedures to carry out this method are not arbitrary processes, but sometimes it needs to 

redesign the lighting system according to rules and codes of illumination level to 

guarantee the visual comfort inside the space, table (1.1) shows illumination level for 

some spaces and activities.  

Table 1.1 

Illumination level for some spaces and activities 

Type of interior, task or activity 
Illuminance 

level (Lux) 

Circulation areas and corridors 100 

Rest rooms 100 

Preparation, general machine work 300 

Laboratories 500 

Quality control area 1000 

Conference rooms 500 

Offices 300-500 

Entrance halls 100 

Indoor Parking areas 75 

Outdoor Parking areas 5-20 

Lecture hall 500 

Examination, treatment and inspection area 1000 

Arrivals and departures halls, baggage claim area, waiting areas at airports 200 

Kitchen 500 

Self-service restaurant, Buffet 200-300 

Preparation rooms and workshops 500 

[61] 



9 

1.4.3 Replacing lamp 

After collecting detailed information about lighting systems in the location, another 

method to discover additional saving opportunities is through studying the performance 

of lighting units, which is expressed by the “Efficacy” term. In which the efficacy refers 

to the relation between the luminous flux (Lumens) that is emitted by individual lighting 

units and the value of power (Watts) that is consumed. Table (A.1) -in appendix A- 

compares between main types of lighting technologies according to efficacy, and it will 

be used later to prefer between the types of lighting devices in the case study. 

                Efficacy (lm/W) = Luminous flux (lm)/Power consumed (W)                    (1.1) 

Relighting process – in the study (Akanmu, Williams Paul, 2012)- can achieve from 

(37%) to (60%) savings, and the payback period is 10 months [36]. While in another 

research in Egypt, more than 10-million-kilowatt hours as an annual saving by replacing 

all lighting systems for 17 facilities with LED technology [37]. Therefore, it’s certainly, 

the replacing of old technology lamp with a more efficient one is a great opportunity.  

1.4.4 Control 

Three parameters must be taken into account to create an efficient lighting system: the 

occupancy of the area, user preferences, and daylight availability. The sensors like 

occupancy sensors and lux level sensors will detect the conditions inside spaces and send 

feedback to the controller that will decide the operation mode according to special 

algorithms, and give the order to the dimmer unit to increase or decrease the luminance 

flux of lamps, the figure (J.3) -in appendix J- describes the configuration of controlling 

system in order to ensure efficient coordination between the three parameters above. It is 

noteworthy, the dimming system must utilize advanced technology that enables precise 

control by adjusting the output current and voltage, thereby minimizing power dissipation 

within the dimmer components. (Aussat Y. & others, 2022) refer to (40%) energy 

reduction in offices by using smart control for lighting system [38]. 

Furthermore, traditional switches, touch screens or mobile applications may be integrated 

with a controlling system for more flexibility. Also, ON/OFF scheduling – whether 

hardware scheduling by timer or software scheduling by computerized system - is another 

form of control according to operation time or any other user preferences.  



10 

Building Management Systems (BMS) represent another choice for large-scale projects, 

in which sensors, dimmer devices and efficient lamps will be integrated to enhance 

overall efficiency by centralizing all processes. 

(Hailm M. & others) [33] compared the three previous strategies from an economical 

perspective and concluded that all of them can contribute to energy reduction, but shows 

the replacement method is the most feasible, as figure (J.4) in appendix J.   

1.5 Energy conservation strategies for HVAC system 

According to the increasing global warming, the cooling demand will increase year by 

year. Thus, it is necessary to be interested more in cooling system efficiency and take 

measures to improve energy consumption of HVAC in the future.   

A good design of an HVAC system can find optimization point of internal thermal comfort 

and energy consumption. There are several methods and ideas to treat the HVAC 

mechanism and the effects of surrounding conditions, in which figure (1.3) shows several 

measures to do that.   

No-cost measures can contribute to the reduction of energy consumption, for instance 

through research for (Spyropoulos & others) [39], shows about (34%) annual savings 

through regulating of indoor setpoint temperature of HVAC in non-residential buildings. 

(Bienvenido-Huertas, David & others) [40] mention that the increasing of setpoint 

temperature by (2-4 ℃) can reduce annual consumption by one-third.  

There are other measures and rules - must be taken into account during the design phase 

- that are considered as precautionary measures, for instance the applying of green 

building codes will improve the surrounding conditions and reduce the thermal loads. 

Also, using the automation system or building management system (BMS) will increase 

the ability to achieve thermal comfort with a minimum amount of energy, in which the 

different types of sensors can collect instantaneous data from the space to contribute to 

achieving optimization in operation load. CO2 sensors and occupancy sensors are vital 

parts of the smart HVAC system, because can reduce the amount of required ventilation 

air and then reduce the thermal loads according to occupants and operation rate. 



11 

On the other hand, highly efficient cooling equipment is another level of conservation 

strategies, in which multiple options are available, as Figure (1.3). This study will focus 

on some innovative ideas and clean methods, and then will be discussed in detail. 

Figure 1.3: Conservation strategies of HVAC  

Conservation strategies of HVAC  

 

1.5.1  Solar chimney 

One of the passive methods for cooling, depends on warming the air inside the chimney 

then the hot air will rise and get out from the top of the chimney, as figure (J.5) in appendix 

J. The effect of this technique is continuous movement of the air inside the building that 

cause reduction of temperature and make natural ventilation by exploiting sun rays that 

fall on the chimney tower. Various numerical and experimental researches in literature 

refer to the benefits of this method that can make saving up to (50 %) [41]. 

1.5.2 Absorption / Adsorption Cycle 

Mostly, this method of cooling exploits waste heat as a source of energy to heat the 

solution inside the generator and convert the refrigerant to vapor, as figure (1.4). Another 

configuration depends on renewable resources such as solar energy through using 

efficient type of solar water collectors - as evacuated tubes - to drive this cycle, in which 



12 

the thermal energy will be transferred from collectors to the generator by hot water to 

start process in the absorption cycle. (Al-Falahi A. & others) refers that the COP of this 

type of cooling system is about (0.5) [42]. (Jahangir, M. & others) said that the coupling 

this type of HVAC with other renewable source as biofuel heater will promote the overall 

performance of green HVAC system [43]. 

Figure 1.4: Absorption Cycle 

Absorption Cycle 

 
Source: https://www.araner.com/blog/how-do-absorption-chillers-work  

The distinct advantage of solar absorption chiller is that the refrigerant of the absorption 

chiller is water and does not include the chemical chlorine that causes ozone depletion, 

and the operating costs at long term are less than conventional system. But the high initial 

cost of system components represents the main challenge. 

1.5.3 Geothermal cooling 

The principle of this technology depends on the constant temperature underground at 

depth (1–1.5 m) throughout the year [45], where – in summer – the soil temperature is 

lower than ambient air. There is a multi-structure to exploit this renewable source, but in 

general, heat exchanger can be used to diffuse the collected heat from the inside to the 

ground, then the inside air will be cooled or pre-cooled and a result will reduce the thermal 

loads.  



13 

Several studies in the literature refer to the savings that can be achieved by using 

geothermal as a cooling or heating system, in which the study [46] concluded that (30 %) 

energy saving through exploiting shallow geothermal in fresh air pre-handling system.  

1.5.4 Air-conditioning energy recovery systems 

A recovery system in HVAC is important method to recapture energy from exhaust air 

and reuse it to pre-cool or pre-heat inlet air. This technique improves HVAC performance 

and reduces energy demand through partially transferring of the exhausted energy to input 

again. 

There are several types of recovery methods:  

 Energy recovery wheel (Enthalpy wheel) 

 Plate Heat Exchangers 

 Heat Pipes with refrigerant fluid 

 Run-Around coils 

These methods can achieve multiple benefits as energy efficient, reduce running cost, 

environmental impact and improve indoor comfort.  

1.6 Smart building 

There are many definitions in literatures about smart building. The Intelligent Building 

Institute (IBI) defines an intelligent building as ‘one which provides a productive and 

cost-effective environment through optimization of its four basic elements including 

structures, systems, services and management and the interrelationships between them’. 

These types of buildings are designed to gather data from different corners by several 

types of digital sensors and connect with computerized system that can make decision 

and control of building resources in order to increase the productivity and reduce energy. 

Many famous buildings around the world, like: Frasers Tower in Singapore, Empire State 

in New York, The Edge in Amsterdam, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Burj 

Khalifa in Dubai and Beeah Headquarters in Sharjah ...etc., all of them designed with 

intelligent ideas to collect real-time data and make continuously accurate control on its 

lighting and HVAC systems to achieve their goals and save a lot of millions of dollars 

annually as cost of energy and maintenance.  



14 

The benefits of smart buildings can be summarized as: 

 Optimized energy  

 Optimized resource usage 

 Cost-savings 

 Predictive maintenance 

 Real-time monitoring 

 Real-time insights and analysis 

 Automation and integration with other systems 

 Increased productivity 

 Improved space utilization 

 Enhanced security 

 Increased value 

 Reduce carbon footprint of the entire building lifecycle. 

1.7 Adaptive façade 

One of creative architectural idea can be exploited to improve the concept of sustainability 

and enhance efficiency of building, also known as a dynamic facade, that is designed to 

adapt with the changing in external conditions, such as temperature and day-light, then 

that will improve internal comfort and reduce the energy demand of the building.  

There are two strategies of adaptive façade: the first one is the using of the shadow effects 

-such as the shadow of Photovoltaic panels- and the second strategy depends on thermal 

transmittance (U-value) of façade systems such as using electrochromic glass.  

In literature, several studies discussed the different issues of adaptive façade and referred 

to positive impact of employing Adaptive façade in buildings to reduce energy consumed 

by (18–20%), improve shading, protect against glare and improve visual comfort. In 

addition, some studies discussed the improving of day-light effect inside the building and 

make reduction in energy needed for lighting. Others studied the components that can be 

used in Adaptive façade -such as photochromic and thermochromic windows- to make 

reduction in visible light and solar transmittance by (25- 65%) and (12- 25%), 

respectively.   



15 

1.8 Benefits of NZEB 

NZEB is an eco-friendly and a promising solution to improve energy efficiency and 

sustainability, in which reduce of using fossil fuel and leads to reduce greenhouse 

emission and global warming that can make saving of expenses of carbon footprint 

penalty too [47].  

Several benefits can be discussed from perspective of energy security dimensions,  

where NZEB promote the independency in energy sector and availability of energy, 

furthermore improvement of power quality entire the network. On the other hand, it can 

reduce vulnerability of power infrastructure towards terrorism activities and military 

disputes [48]. 

Social impacts of NZEB are represented in improving life quality and healthy issues for 

end-user inside these types of buildings, where more comfortable level and low 

concentration of pollutants inside [49]. Also, that can contribute stabilize the country’s 

economy where will reduce costs and taxes that paid by end-user for energy usage. 

  



16 

Chapter Two 

Methodology for NZEB 

The study and analysis of the proposed case was divided into four stages. Stage one 

represents the data collection by walk-through and inspection survey, and if there is a 

shortage of data in this stage then additional visits and surveys must be done. It is 

noteworthy, some numerical values and assumption will be recorded according to the 

nature of daily work and personal experience in the location. 

In stage two, the analysis of collected data will show the current status of the proposed 

case and determine which type of loads consume the most amount of energy. After that, 

energy auditing for the overall system is very important to reveal squandering points of 

electrical energy and to reduce consumption by applying some measures. Also, in this 

stage, simulation software - like HAP and DiaLux evo – will help us to build a model and 

examine the suggested measures. 

Stage three will focus on renewable systems to replace traditional sources and make 

reduction of annual operation costs. PVSYST will simulate the suggested solar system. 

Finally, stage four will discuss the economic issues and refer to economic indicators like 

cash flow, net present value, simple payback period, saving-to-investment ratio, rate of 

return, and the levelized cost of energy. Environmental aspects will be discussed too, 

especially carbon reduction. 

The high consumption of electrical energy in Jericho district especially in summer where 

the cooling is the main load, while the lighting can be considered as a secondary load in 

public buildings, also amount of hot water is required in the winter. So, three system 

(Lighting, HVAC and SWH) will be treated through different methods that will be shown 

here. 

2.1 Methodology for lighting system 

There are several buildings in the suggested case, and some of these buildings are similar, 

so the lighting system in the Arrivals Hall will be studied and simulated in detail, and then 

the results will be reflected on the other buildings, to calculate the annual savings through 

applying the suggested measures. Also, parking areas and other similar areas will be 



17 

treated by the same method. The measurements of the lighting level in several corners 

will be conducted by using a LUX-meter device (TES-1334A LIGHTMETER).  

Simulation of the lighting system will be conducted by DiaLux-Evo, which it is 

considered as a professional software in the lighting field, so it will be used to show the 

lighting situation in our case before and after applying the suggested modifications to the 

lighting system.      

2.2 Methodology for HVAC system 

In the first phase, collect and study the current conditions of the arrivals hall that influence 

the cooling load, and conduct a simulation by HAP under these conditions, that will show 

the cooling load at its initial state. On the other hand, the suggested measures will be 

applied virtually and then repeat the simulation to compare the cooling loads in the two 

different states. After that, it is important to study the cooling device and discuss 

innovative ideas to cover the cooling load, so some scenarios will be suggested in the 

HVAC section, to examine and compare different cooling methods. 

It is noteworthy, HAP v5.10 is a specialist software that can record HVAC parameters and 

weather data, then make an analysis for all components of the HVAC system to calculate 

thermal loads by simulation throughout the year.  

2.3 Methodology for solar water heating system 

According to collected data, the needs of hot water contribute of consuming a part of 

electrical energy because it depends on electrical heater, so the SWH system can be 

suggested to cover these needs through flat plate collectors. Some calculations will 

determine the size of the SWH, then can determine the annual savings in this field.  

2.4 Methodology for Renewable system 

After applying energy auditing and suggested conservation strategies in our case study, 

then the next step - on the road of NZEB – is a selection of suitable renewable systems to 

cover the energy needs. In reality, the high solar radiation -in Palestine- motivates us to 

use solar energy, so the suggested system will depend mainly on the thermal and lighting 

energy of the sun. Some calculations and simulations by PVSYST to make sizing of the 

system.  



18 

Figure 2.1 

Methodology Flow chart 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect Data 

NZEB 

Use measurement device and monitoring 

Make energy auditing  

Suggest measures to improve system and 

reduce consumption 

Suggest Renewable System 

Use simulation software  

Analysis  

Results, Conclusions & 

Recommendations 

END 

 

Shortage of 

Data  



19 

2.5 About the case study and general description 

The buildings of GACB are located in (31.8 deg.) latitude and (35.4 deg.) longitude, 

Jericho, where the elevation is (230 m) under sea level and the climate is very hot in May-

August and it’s warm in Oct-Mar, as figure (J.6) in appendix J.  

The total area is (57,000 m2), include multiple buildings such as departures hall, arrivals 

hall, service hall, and other buildings - as shown in figure (J.7) in appendix J - in addition 

to large spaces are used as parking. These facilities were built as separated objects through 

different periods, to serve (1.8) million passengers yearly. 

Each building contains the main electrical distribution board and all boards are connected 

finally to the main electrical room, where the main connection with the electricity grid of 

JDECo Figure (J.8) – in appendix J- shows the single line diagram of the main electrical 

board. 

 

 

  



20 

Chapter Three 

The Results & Analysis of NZEB 

The main objective of NZEB is to make a balance between energy consumption and 

annual generation of energy. Multiple steps and deep analysis must be conducted to 

perform this goal professionally, through collecting accurate data about the case, then 

making good analysis for loads to discover the overall weakness points of the system to 

take action against these points and to treat the additional consumption that caused by 

inefficient systems. 

This chapter will show all collected data from the location, and the results of an 

investigation that will reveal the energy problems of the current situation. After that will 

show the simulation results of applying different conservation strategies, and then can see 

the economic and environmental analysis of implementing the suggested solutions as 

integrated manner. 

3.1 Current situation in GACB 

The collected data from the location can draw accurate images about the problem. Figure 

(3.1) illustrates the actual monthly consumption of electricity of all loads in the location 

for two years, in which the maximum value is in August usually, which means the cooling 

in summer is the most influential burden. 

Figure 3.1 

Consumption of electricity for two years 

 

 



21 

All Collected data about the loads in the location were arranged and summarized in table 

(3.1), which shows the main types of loads and annual energy needs for each one. As 

shown in table (3.1), the “Demand factor” column was estimated according to the nature 

of work and personal experience in the location, and the formula (3.1) was used to 

estimate the value of demand factor for each load then can calculate the value of actual 

demand. However, the result of estimated values of demand factor within the range of 

standard values in literatures. 

                                𝐷𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 =  𝑀𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑚𝑢𝑚 𝑑𝑒𝑚𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑
                             (3.1) [50] 

Also, the column “Hours/Year” refers to the estimated working hours around year. These 

values can be calculated by collect information about daily working hours for each load 

as individual throughout month, then multiply it by the number of working months of 

each load. The results of these calculations were included in table (A.3) in appendix A.       

Table 3.1: The Main Loads & Energy Consumption 

The Main Loads & Energy Consumption 

Main Loads 
Rated 

Power [W] 

Demand 

factor 

Actual 

Demand [W] 
Hours/Year 

Net Energy per 

year [kWh] 

Computers 11000 0.75 8250 2880 23760 

Network equipment & 

others 
15300 1 15300 8760 134028 

Internal Light 56577 0.75 42432.75 6480 274964.22 

External Light 34180 1 34180 5040 172267.2 

Air conditioner/split 

unit 
206700 0.8 165360 2520 416707.2 

Package Units /Central 

cooling 
266000 0.95 252700 2400 606480 

VRF Units 57800 0.95 54910 2400 131784 

Refrigerator 11473 1 11473 5760 66084.48 

Electrical water heater 14500 0.65 9425 1200 11310 

Pump 20000 0.5 10000 3600 36000 

Total   604030.75  1873385.1 

Mainly, the consumption of energy was caused by HVAC systems and lighting systems, 

as shown in figure (3.2), so the study will focus on these two types of loads. 



22 

Figure 3.2Net Energy per year [kWh]  

Net Energy per year [kWh]  

 

3.2 Lighting Analysis & Suggested Measures 

The total annual consumption of internal & external lighting represents about (25 %) of 

annual electrical needs in GACB. The investigation and measurements were conducted 

on the lighting system that will be shown in this section. Also, the suggested solutions, 

simulation results, and other calculations will be included. 

The table (3.2) shows the main facilities, and illumination levels were measured inside 

the space and compared with standard levels. The collected data reveal the extra level of 

lighting, and that means there are good opportunities to reduce energy by treating these 

extra values to be close to standard.  

  

Computers; 23760

Network equ. & 
others; 134028

Internal Light; 
274964.22

External Light; 
172267.2

Air 
conditionor/split 

unit; 416707.2

Package Units 
/Central cooling; 

606480

VRF Units; 131784

Refrigerator; 
66084.48

Electrical water 
heater; 11310

Pump; 36000



23 

Table 3.2 

Current status of Lux level 

Site 

LUX Level By 
Standard 

level 

(LUX) 
Daylight 

only (LUX) 

Artificial 

light only 

(LUX) 

Overall 

(LUX) 

Administrative Offices 155 271 356 500 

Departure Hall/Int. light 49 200 272 200 

Departure Hall/Ext. light XXX 185 185 100 

Arrival Hall/Int. light 110 295 382 200 

Arrival Hall/Ext. light XXX 65 65 100 

Kitchen/ Int. light 103 1820 1960 300 

Kitchen/ Ext. light XXX 750 750 100 

Service Hall & Luggage/ Int. Light 119 1900 2000 200 

Service Hall & Luggage/Ext. light XXX 80 80 100 

Parking 1 XXX 8 8 10 

Parking 2 XXX 15 15 10 

Parking 3 XXX 92 92 10 

Parking 4 XXX 85 85 10 

Taxi Station XXX 100 100 150 

Internal Street XXX 45 45 30 

Main Lighting Pole / General purposes (8 

high pressure Sodium lamp mounted on pole 

in which the height of pole is 25 meter and 

each lamp 1000 watt) 

XXX 50 50 30 

Mosque 163 200 335 300 

Some analysis for data in table (3.2) above will illustrate that the lighting system in all 

spaces needs accurate individual auditing. But according to the methodology of this study, 

only halls and parking area will be focused on and simulated, then the output results will 

be used as benchmark.        

3.2.1 Measures and opportunities for lighting 

Through using DiaLux Evo software, several scenarios were simulated for the arrivals 

hall, which helped us to study this case and determine the suitable measures to make 

energy reduction without affecting on quality of services inside the hall.  

The daylight effect at the arrivals hall was measured by lux meter, about (110 lux) is the 

daylight level inside the arrivals hall according to real measurements during a clear day, 

and that was included in table (3.2). So, the artificial lighting sources are required at 

overall working hours to match the minimum requirements of lighting level according to 

standard code, as Table (1.1). At present, there are (100) lighting units inside the hall to 

treat this gap, in which each fixture is (54 W) and (4550 lm).  



24 

On the other hand, the simulation results are obtained by DiaLux Evo and examine the 

effect of daylight only, in which about (149 Lux) and un-uniform distribution of light 

inside the area, as shown in figures and simulation report in appendix B. 

By axiomatic calculations, the electrical energy needs are: 

                           𝐸 = 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 × 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 × 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒               (3.2) 

𝐸 = 100 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑠 × 54 𝑊 × 6500 ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠 

𝐸 = 35100 𝐾𝑊ℎ 

where the estimated annual working hours are (6500), 

Also, the lighting power density is: 

                                   𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
                              (3.3) 

100 × 54 𝑊

572 𝑚2
     ≈   9.5 𝑊/𝑚2 

Now, some measures mentioned in Chapter One will be exploited and discussed below to 

reduce this amount of consumption.   

3.2.1.1 Measure-1: "Roof skylight for Arrivals Hall" 

Skylight is one of the daylight method - mentioned in Chapter One - can be used to exploit 

the annual shining hours to light up the hall. Twelve Roof skylights with dimensions (1.2 

m x 0.6 m) are suggested for this scenario and implemented virtually to simulate the 

overall system by Dialux evo in mid-day time of August. 

 The result is about (267 lux) and more uniform illumination inside the hall, without using 

any artificial lighting units, as shown in figure (3.3). Also, appendix C represents the 

simulation report. 

 

 



25 

Figure 3.3  

Simulation of measure-1 

 



26 

3.2.1.2 Measure-2: "De-lamping & Replacement at Arrivals Hall" 

In the current status, there are (100) lighting units to light up the hall. Actual 

measurements discover that the lux level is (295 Lux) at night, while the standard level is 

(200 lux), so removing lamps and redistribution fixtures are important measures. The 

current led lamps are (54 W) and (4550 lm), which means the efficacy is (84.2 lm/W), 

while the suggested lighting unit is a Philips led fixture with (31.5 W) and (4298 lm) is 

more efficient with (136.4 lm/W) – as shown in datasheet in Appendix D -, so the 

replacement current fixture by Philips one will make reduction surely.           

After retrofitting the lamps inside the arrivals hall virtually and simulating it with Dialux 

Evo, as shown in figure (3.4) below, the result is about (222 lux), and the power of the 

lighting system is reduced by (4077 W), where (100) old fixtures were replaced by (42) 

new Philips ones according to an automatic suggestion by the simulation software to keep 

lighting level at least (200 lux) on average. This result was included in the simulation 

report in the appendix E.  

Now, the lighting power density is: 

                            𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
                                    (3.4) 

42 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 31.5 𝑊

572 𝑚2
       ≈    2.31  𝑊/𝑚2 

This value represents the density inside the hall if the illumination level is (200 lux), but 

if illumination level is changed according to usage of space, then the equivalent value  

(1.15   𝑊 𝑚2 100 𝑙𝑥⁄⁄ ) can be used as benchmark depends on the illumination level are 

required inside the area. 

By comparing between two results of equation (3.3) and equation (3.4), the values refer 

to the demand per meter square before and after using highly efficient models and make 

reduction of number of lighting units, moreover the importance of determine the suitable 

level of illumination according to the area type.  

 



27 

Figure 3.4  

Simulation of measure-2 

 



28 

3.2.1.3 Measure-3: "Install Control System for Arrivals Hall"  

Now, to make a combination of the advantages of measures above, control system must 

be integrated, to guarantee constant illumination level across the area at all times by using 

daylight and artificial lighting fixtures, in which the sensors inside the space will measure 

the lux level continuously then the special algorithms will change the level of lighting 

units (0 – 100 %) by using efficient dimmer device. Moreover, the selected lighting fixture 

is (RC332V 42S/940 PSD W62L62 MXO) from Philips brand, and that is characterized 

by dimmable feature according to the official web site of the manufacturer [51]. The 

datasheet in appendix D illustrates additional information. 

In current status, the lighting units are working about (6500) hours annually. By simple 

estimation and according to the nature of working time, at least one-third of these hours 

is clear sky daytime, so if control system is installed, then natural light can light up the 

hall by 100% without artificial lighting for (2167) hours annually. However, DiaLux Evo 

can make a more accurate estimation in this case, in which it can calculate the energy 

needs year-round and can estimate the savings if sensors and controllers are installed. The 

energy evaluation report in Appendix F presents the daily simulation results for July 2022, 

as well as the monthly simulation for the year 2022, indicating an energy savings of (3015 

kWh). Also, the simulation shows a comparison between controlled and uncontrolled 

systems. 

3.2.2 Benchmark and Estimation 

Now, according to the results above, other similar facilities can be estimated, where 

(2.31 𝑊/𝑚2) is the lighting power density to light up the hall with (200 Lux) on average, 

and then (1.15 W/𝑚2/100 lux) is another important value that can be concluded and used 

as a benchmark to retrofit the number of fixtures at other facilities. Also, about (3015 

kWh) annual savings when the control system was installed, that means: 

                                    
3015𝐾𝑊ℎ

6500 ℎ ×572 𝑚2
     ≈   0.811 𝑊/𝑚2 saving                                (3.5) 

So, the table (3.3) makes a comparison between the current status of the lighting system 

and the suggested measures, furthermore it shows the net energy saving of these 

measures, while table (A.2) – in appendix A- shows the additional energy saving if the 

control system will be installed. 



29 

Table 3.3 

Energy saving by De-lamping & Replacement 

Site 
Area 

[m2] 

operating Current status After retrofit  Annual Saving 

Hours/Year Type 
Power 

[W]  

No. of 

lamp 

Total 

Power 
Type 

Power 

[W] 

No. of 

lamp 

Total 

Power 

∆P 

[KW] 

∆E 

[KWh] 

Arrival Hall/Int. light 572 6500 LED 54 100 5400 LED 31.5 42 1323 4.077 26500.5 

Departure Hall/Int. light 1200 6500 
Fluresent 

tube T8 
18 450 8100 LED 31.5 88 2772 5.328 34632 

Departure Hall/Ext. light 500 3600 LED 200 6 1200 LED 56.5 16 904 0.296 1065.6 

Kitchen & dining space/ Int. 

light 
375 4380 LED 150 40 6000 LED 31.5 41 1291.5 4.7085 20623.23 

Kitchen/ Ext. light 75 3600 LED 150 6 900 LED 56.5 3 169.5 0.7305 2629.8 

Service Hall & Luggage/ Int. 

Light 
270 6500 LED 150 35 5250 LED 31.5 20 630 4.62 30030 

Parking 3 3000 3600 LED 150 26 3900 LED 80 14 1120 2.78 10008 

Parking 4 5400 3600 LED 150 30 4500 LED 80 16 1280 3.22 11592 

Internal Street ----- 3600 LED 150 20 3000 LED 80 20 1600 1.4 5040 

Main Lighting Pole / General 

purposes (8 high pressure 

Sodium lamp mounted on pole in 

which the hight of pole is 25 

meter and each lamp 1000 watt ) 

----- 3600 

High 

pressure 

sodium 

1000 8 8000 LED 150 10 1500 6.5 23400 

Total           46250     270 12590   165521 



30 

3.2.3 Lighting in the parking area 

The parking area is one of the facilities inside the location that consumes energy for 

lighting at night, Figure (J.11) -in appendix J- shows the Parking 3 & 4, where the area is 

(3000 𝑚2) & (5400 𝑚2) respectively. Real measurements were conducted by lux meter, 

which discovered extra illumination in these zones, see Table (3.2).  

De-lamping and replacement measures were examined by the simulation software, then 

the results were summarized in Table (3.3). 

3.2.4 Lighting at the Entrance of the Hall 

Through a review of collected data in the table (3.2), extra illumination of external 

lighting at the entrance of some buildings. So, the simulation will be conducted to select 

suitable lighting units for the entrance of the departures hall, then the other entrance will 

be treated similarly, in which (6) lighting units with (200 W) were replaced by (16) units 

with (56.5 W), not to reduce energy only but to improve the glare and the lighting contrast 

too. The lighting power density can be used as an indicator or guide to estimate the other 

similar areas, see Table (3.3).   

                             𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑖𝑥𝑢𝑟𝑒 × 𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 

𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎
                                   (3.6) 

16 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠 × 56.5 𝑊

500 𝑚2
      ≈      1.8 𝑊/𝑚2 

3.2.5 Additional opportunity for external lighting 

Through an extended period of monitoring the external lighting system, an additional 

energy-saving opportunity was identified. It was observed that the external lighting units 

were activated approximately one hour before sunset and deactivated one hour after 

sunrise, on average. This inefficiency is attributed to calibration errors in the conventional 

timer system. Moreover, this method requires continuous human intervention for 

adjustments. A more effective and automated solution would be the implementation of a 

photocell-based control system, which would enhance operational efficiency and 

contribute to further energy savings. 



31 

This value of saving can be calculated by using data from table (3.1), where the total 

power for external lighting is (34180 watts), so the saving of electrical energy during two 

hours is (68.4 kWh) per day and that means the annual saving is (24966 kWh) if photocell 

is taken in account. 

At the end of lighting section, the net of all measures above are summarized in the table 

(A.4) in appendix A.   

3.3 HVAC Analysis & Suggested Measures 

As previously mentioned, cooling is the biggest load, so several aspects of the cooling 

system will be treated in this section. The building envelope is one of the factors that have 

an influence on internal thermal comfort and efficiency of energy use, so the measure-1 

below will treat the insulation and infiltration issues and examine it by HAP.  

Another level of treatment for the cooling system is represented through the study the 

efficiency of the cooling device and the selection of a suitable energy source to feed it, 

therefore different cooling scenarios will be discussed in measure-2. The third measure 

in this section targets (116) split cooling units that are working in the location, but mostly 

they have low performance and old technologies. Also, this section includes the technical 

calculations and simulation results for suggested solutions to determine the impact of 

these measures. 

3.3.1 Measure -1: "Retrofitting of Building Specifications" 

Through analysis of the HVAC system in the Arrivals Hall and the simulation process by 

HAP, good opportunities were discovered to make savings in the arrivals hall and other 

halls that have similar specifications and operation conditions. As shown in figure (J.9 

‘a’), the final result of the simulation of HAP, where the maximum cooling load in August 

at current status is (359 kW) before retrofitting, while figure (J.9 ‘b’) shows the final 

result after implement several measures to reduce thermal leakage as shown below.  

The analysis of simulation results – in appendix G- revealed huge thermal leakage from 

different structural component of the building, where the thermal load from the roof and 

infiltration are the main. 



32 

Now, some measures can be applied on the site to reduce thermal leakage, like increasing 

insulation and reducing the overall U-value by replacing metal roof of the hall with 

sandwich panel with polystyrene layer (50 mm). And heat transfer through walls can be 

minimized by installing internal layer of gypsum board with polystyrene board (50 mm).    

On the other hand, Infiltration by doors and windows must be treated to make additional 

savings by using air curtains and sealing rubbers for instance. HAP software gives ability 

to enter the value of infiltration in unit (ACH). Even though the Palestinian Green 

Building Code requests (0.25 ACH) [52] as maximum value for infiltration from green 

buildings, the value of (0.5 ACH) as minimum target in this case may be satisfied in view 

of the working conditions and construction specification of the building, so this value can 

be recorded directly in HAP as an important measure to minimize the load.  

Also, CO2 and occupancy sensors can be integrated with a control system to create 

dynamic ventilation system depends on multiple parameters such as carbon dioxide 

concentration, then that will reduce the rate of air change inside the space and reduce the 

cooling load.   

All mentioned measures above were examined through HAP, so the Arrivals Hall was 

retrofitted virtually and the simulation was repeated. The new result can be seen in 

appendix H, where the cooling load decreased to (148.8 kW) as shown in figure (J.9 ‘b’). 

However, (5%) as a safety margin was added for the cooling load, then the net result is 

about (155 kW). On the other hand, all costs of these measures will be discussed later in 

economic analysis section. 

In general, after revision for working conditions and architectural specifications of halls 

in this case, that shows high similarity between these buildings, so the saving in thermal 

load of the arrivals hall can be used to estimate the savings of other similar buildings 

without conducting individual simulation for all spaces. So, after applying the 

conservation measures on similar halls, (40%) can be considered as a suitable overall 

saving value of the total thermal loads. 

  



33 

3.3.2 Measure -2: "Improvement of the performance of cooling device" 

The (155 kW) cooling load can be covered through several solutions, but the suggested 

solution in this study focuses on a solution that depends on renewable sources. So, three 

solutions will be undergone for evaluation, the first option depends on a PV system to 

drive the current cooling device (Petra Package units), the second solution is the VRF unit 

with a PV system, and the third solution is a Solar absorption chiller with evacuated tube. 

Technical details of these scenarios will be discussed here while economic issues will be 

discussed later, then three scenarios can be compared and one scenario will be selected to 

feed the arrivals hall. 

3.3.2.1 Scenario -1: "Using PV system to drive the current cooling device" 

Currently, Petra package units are used to make cooling for halls, and a lot of electrical 

energy is consumed annually. Two cooling units serve the arrivals hall now, if suggested 

modifications of measure-1 are taken in account, then the cooling load will be reduced to 

(155 kW) only, as Figure (J.9) -in appendix J- which shows the daily cooling load in 

August of the arrivals hall. 

Now, the daily electrical energy will be covered by PV solar panels, so some calculations 

below show the number of panels and inverters needed.     

However, the annual electrical energy can be estimated by using the Cooling Degree-Day 

method:  

Qload = 155 kW          at August in maximum point. 

COP = 2 ~ 3 for package unit 

𝐷𝐷𝐶 =  ∑(𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑔. − 𝑇𝑏𝑎𝑙. )
+                                        (3.7) [53] 

Where; 𝑇𝑎𝑣𝑔. is the summer monthly mean daily outside air temperature. 

𝑇𝑏𝑎𝑙. is the balance point temperature. 

And the value of 𝐷𝐷𝐶  for the Dead Sea region is about 1200 [53], so: 

𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑×𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 (ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠)×𝐷𝐷𝑐

(𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒− 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒)×𝐶𝑂𝑃
                                          (3.8) [53] 



34 

Where; 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 is the internal design temperature (25℃), while 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 is the external 

design temperature (45℃) according to weather data from Palestinian Meteorological 

Authority [54]. 

𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
155×10 ×1200

(45−25)× 2.5
  ≈ 37200 𝑘𝑊ℎ  𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟          

PV system; 

𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =  
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 

365 × 𝐺𝑎𝑣𝑔 × 𝜂𝑠𝑦𝑠.
                                 (3.9) [55] 

Where; 𝜂𝑠𝑦𝑠  is the overall system efficiency, including losses from inverter, wiring, and 

other system components. While 𝐺𝑎𝑣𝑔 is the value of peak sun shine hour and also it equal 

to yearly average of solar irradiance at the site.  

Even though the solar irradiance at Jericho exceeds the average value in Palestine in 

summer, (5.4 kWh/𝑚2/day) [30] will be used here because the NZEB relies on the net 

metering principle. Bidirectional meter is used to calculate the net consumption, 

whenever the PV system delivers more power than the facility needs, then the excess 

energy is exported to the grid and the excess spins the electric meter backward, but at 

other times, when demand exceeds the supplied energy by the PVs, then the grid provides 

supplementary power [55]. Thereby the additional production in summer will be 

consumed again in winter to achieve net zero annually. 

𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
37200

365 × 5.4 × 0.93 
         ≈ 20 𝑘𝑊𝑝 

This system needs (50) PV panels and one inverter (20 kW ac), and can be implemented 

over (140-meter sq.). 

3.3.2.2  Scenario-2: "VRF unit with PV system" 

This solution suggests replacing the package units with a VRF system and installing PV 

panels to provide electricity for VRF. The COP of these package units - on average – is 

(2.5). While the COP of VRF is about (4), so the replacement with VRF can make saving 

by (37.5 %). 

Qload is (155 kW) at August in maximum load. And the COP for VRF is (4), so: 



35 

𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑×𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 (ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠)×𝐷𝐷𝑐

(𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒− 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒)×𝐶𝑂𝑃
                                            (3.10) [53] 

      𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
155×10 × 1200

(45−25)× 4
       ≈ 23250 𝑘𝑊ℎ  𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛        

PV system; 

                                   𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =  
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 

365 × 𝐺𝑎𝑣𝑔 × 𝜂𝑠𝑦𝑠.
                                          (3.11) 

𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
23250

365 × 5.4 × 0.93 
        ≈ 13 𝑘𝑊𝑝 

This system needs (32) PV panels and one inverter (13 kW ac), and can be implemented 

over (91-meter sq.). 

3.3.2.3  Scenario -3: "Solar absorption chiller with evacuated tube" 

Figure (J.10) – in Appendix J- represents the configuration of suggested solar absorption 

cooling system. According calculated thermal load through HAP, additional calculation 

must be conducted to determine the size of evacuated tube, so:  

Qload = 155 kW          at August / maximum load. 

Mostly, the COP of absorption chiller is (0.5 ~ 0.6), so the heat gain is needed from 

collector at maximum load: 

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 =  
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 

𝐶𝑂𝑃
                                                     (3.12) 

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑡 𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛 =  
155 

0.55
= 282 𝑘𝑊  

                         Collector Area =
𝑀𝑎𝑥.𝑝𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 (𝑤) 

𝐼𝑟𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑤 𝑚2⁄ ) × 𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑦 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟
              (3.13) 

𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 =  
282000

  800 𝑤 𝑚2⁄  ×  0.7
 

                              𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎  =  503 𝑚2      of evacuated tube collector 

Where the efficiency of evacuated tube according ASHRAE guidelines [56]. 



36 

The total implemented area (includes the spaces between collectors) is: 

  503 × 1.5 = 754.5 𝑚2                                                (3.14) 

∴   754.5/155= 4.87 𝑚2 𝑘𝑤⁄                                               (3.15) 

3.3.2.4  Scenario - 4: "Do-Nothing" 

After reducing the cooling load to 155 kW by measure-1, the “Do-Nothing” scenario will 

be considered as reference scenario. This scenario means “Make No Change” in the 

current HVAC devices that depends on cooling devices from PETRA brand and consume 

electricity from the traditional grid; 

Qload = 155 kW, is maximum load in August. 

COP = 2 ~ 3 for package unit 

Annual electrical energy can be estimated by using the Cooling Degree-Day method:  

𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑×𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 (ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑠)×𝐷𝐷𝑐

(𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒− 𝑇𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒)×𝐶𝑂𝑃
                                             (3.16) [53] 

𝐸𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑐. =
155×10 ×1200

(45−25)× 2.5
    ≈ 37200 𝐾𝑊ℎ  𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑦𝑒𝑎𝑟          

After the technical comparison between the four different types of cooling systems, the 

exciting question now is: Which of these scenarios are more feasible and more suitable 

for this case study? This question will be discussed later in the economic section (3.6).  

3.3.3 Measure -3: "Replace Split Unit with VRF" 

The average COP for split units that existed in this case is about (3). While, in general, 

the COP for the VRF system is (4). So, the replacement process will reduce the energy to 

(0.75) of the current needs; in other words, a (25%) saving can be achieved if VRF 

systems are used instead of the old split units. The table (3.1) shows the current annual 

energy needs for split units are (416707.2 kWh), therefore the annual saving is (104176.8 

kWh). 



37 

3.4 Solar Water Heater System 

SWH is one of popular systems in Palestine where (68%) of residential buildings use the 

flat plate collector or evacuated tube collector on the rooftop, and that makes saving of 

carbon footprint by (395,000) tons annually [57].  

A small amount of energy is needed -in this case- to cover hot water needs in the winter 

season, as included in table (3.1), so outlet hot water with (45℃) will be satisfied, and 

these needs can be achieved easily in a warm climate such as Jericho, so the amount of 

hot water can be covered completely by SWH.  

The calculation below shows the sizing of SWH, in which the electrical needs for water 

heater - according to Table (3.1) – is (11310 kWh) through about (150) days annually, so 

the daily needs is: 

11310/150 = 75.4 kWh per day                                        (3.17) 

And the area of flat plate collectors is: 

Total area = Energy / (daily radiation x efficiency of collector)                  (3.18) 

𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎  =  75.4 / (5.4 𝑥 0.35)       ≈   40 𝑚2 

Where the efficiency of flat plate is about 35% [58]. 

That means, the number of collectors is: 

∴  𝑁𝑜. # 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙. =  40 / 2 =  20 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙.                                       (3.19) 

And the capacity of storage tank is:  

𝑄 = 𝑚 × 𝐶𝑝 × ∆𝑇                                           (3.20) [59] 

This equation represents the amount of heat that required to increase the temperature of 

the amount of water 𝑚 in (kg) by ∆𝑇, where 𝐶𝑝 is the specific heat of water and  ∆𝑇 is 

the difference of outlet temperature and inlet temperature of water. 

𝑚 =  
𝑄

𝐶𝑝 × ∆𝑇
 



38 

 𝑚 =
75.4 𝐾𝑊ℎ × 3600

4.18 × (45 − 15)
  

Where; the outlet desired temperature is (45 ℃) and the assumption of inlet design 

temperature is (15 ℃) as minimum value, where according to historical data of ambient 

air temperature is about (10 ℃) during winter days [60], and Ashrae code refer to (+ 5 

degree) as difference value of water temperature and ambient air temperature in winter.  

∴   𝑚 = 2171.5 𝐾𝑔 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑦 

Storage tank capacity     ≈ 2200 Liter 

3.5 PV system of NZEB 

NZEB’s idea must include a renewable system to cover the annual needs of energy. PV 

system is one of popular renewable systems in Palestine where the yearly average of solar 

radiation is (5.4 kWh/𝒎𝟐/day), available technology and easier to integrated with public 

buildings, so the PV system will be discussed in this section.  

The first step is to calculate the net electrical needs after applying the mentioned measures 

above, and the final results of saving will be shown in economic section. Anyway, the 

annual energy -before applying measures- is (1,873,385.10 kWh), while the annual saving 

is (613,376.00 kWh) as a result of applying the all-mentioned measures, so the annual 

electrical needs is (1,260,009.1 kWh). 

Now, make additional calculations to size the ON-Grid PV system: 

                        𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =  
𝐴𝑛𝑛𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑛𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑠 

365 × 𝐺𝑎𝑣𝑔 × 𝜂𝑠𝑦𝑠.
                                         (3.21) 

                                    𝑃𝑉𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 =
 1,260,009.10 

365 ×5.4 × 0.93
     ≈ 687 𝑘𝑊𝑝 

However, the productivity degradation of PV panels must be taken in account, so (15%) 

additional capacity must be added as a safety margin and to satisfy the additional needs 

in the site that may come up through the next two years.  

𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝐶𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦   ≈ 800 𝑘𝑊𝑝   



39 

PVSYST was used to determine the number of PV panels and Inverter devices and to 

simulate the suggested system to examine productivity and overall efficiency. Table (A.5) 

-in appendix A- shows the summary of the results, while appendix I shows the results of 

the PVSYST simulation in detail.   

According to general assessment for some projects of PV system in Palestine, each 

kilowatt peak (kWp) of installed capacity typically requires approximately 6 to 8 square 

meters of space as rule of thumb, that depends on the efficiency of PV panel and available 

irradiance. Therefore, an (800 kWp) would require an estimated area of around (6,000) 

square meters, which could be accommodated within a parking area. 

3.6 Economic Analysis of NZEB 

A feasibility study for all measures above will contribute to differentiating and comparing 

the options, furthermore this will reveal the economic benefits of these measures. 

Multiple partitions in this section will treat lighting, HVAC, and the overall solution 

through economic indicators according to local prices from several companies for the 

components and retrofitting works. 

3.6.1 Lighting 

According to the results of Table (A.4) -in appendix A-, the annual saving of lighting 

measures is (202583.6 kWh) and then the equivalent annual savings cost is about (39938 

$), where the electrical energy cost from traditional grid is (0.20 $/kWh).  

Table (A.7) -in appendix A- represents the cost of all modifications in the lighting system, 

where the total cost of required measures is (58,200 $), so the simple payback period is 

about (18) months. 

3.6.2 Feasibility study for scenarios of HVAC devices 

To perform a realistic study for selecting a suitable option for the HVAC component, 

these scenarios must be compared with do-nothing or don’t make a change on the current 

system that depends on traditional grid of electricity, so “do-nothing” will be considered 

as reference scenario. Now, according to the result of section (3.3.2.4), the cost of the 

annual cooling load for the arrivals hall in scenario-4 is (7440 $), so this cost will 

represent the saving for other scenarios.  



40 

Economic analysis -in this phase- will depend on two indicators: simple payback period 

and present worth. Anyway, some assumptions must be defined to conduct this analysis, 

in which the first assumption is the lifetime of all solutions is (20) years at the minimum 

and the second assumption is (10%) as the minimum attractive rate of return (MARR). 

At the end of this phase, the result of these indicators can refer to a more feasible solution 

for our case.  

Table (3.4) shows the cost of each scenario, while Table (3.5) shows the result of the 

comparison between the suggested scenarios, and this information refers to the scenario-

1 is more feasible for our case study. Table (A.6) -in appendix A- shows the details of the 

analysis for these scenarios. AC scenarios 

Table 3.4 

Component Cost of HVAC scenarios 

Scenario-1 

Item Quantity Cost/unit Total cost ($) 

PV panels 400 W 50 130 6500 

20 kW inverter 1 4000 4000 

Steel structure and other components 20 250 5000 

Installation work 20 100 2000 

Total   17500 

Scenario-2 

Item Quantity Cost/unit Total cost ($) 

155 KW VRF unit 155 200 31000 

13 kW inverter 1 2600 2600 

PV panels 400 W with installation 32 130 4160 

Steel structure and other components 13 250 3250 

Installation work 13 100 1300 

Total   42310 

Scenario-3 

Item Quantity Cost/unit Total cost ($) 

155 KW Low Temp. Absorption chiller 155 200 31000 

Evacuated Tube with structure 503 200 100600 

Installation work 1 10000 10000 

Total   141600 

Table 3.5  

The result of economic analysis of HVAC Scenarios 

Scenario 1 2 3 4 

Investment cost ($) 17,500 42,310 141,600 0 

Life time 20 

Annual saving ($) 7440 7440 7440 -7440 

Space (𝒎𝟐) 140 91 755 0 

SPP 3 6 20 - 

PW 45,840.91 21,030.91 -  78,259.09 -    63,340.91 

MARR 10% 



41 

3.6.3 Feasibility study for overall NZEB case: 

Table (3.6) shows the summary of all savings that may be achieved if all mentioned 

measures are applied. Economic indicators -like simple payback period (SPP) and present 

worth (PW) - will be examined in this phase to determine the feasibility of applying the 

NZEB idea on this case study. 

Table 3.6: Summary of total annual Energy saving 

Summary of total annual Energy saving 

Loads 
Net Energy per 

year [kWh] 

Total save 

[kWh] 

Saving annual 

cost ($) 

Saving 

[%] 

Lighting section (Int. + Ext.) 447,231.42 202,583.6 39,937.91 45.5 

Air conditioner/split unit 416,707.2 104,176.8 20,537.71 25 

Cooling Load & HVAC device of halls 738,264 295,305.6 58,217.39 40 

Electrical water heater 11,310 11,310 2,229.69 100 

Total Remaining loads 259,872.48 0 0 0 

Total 1,873,385.1 613,376 120,922.7 32.7 

Table (3.7) contains the summary of retrofitting cost - for each system as individual - that 

are needed to conduct the overall economic study.  

  



42 

Table 3.7  

Summary of retrofitting Cost 

For lighting 

Item Quantity Cost $ /Unit Total cost ($) 

New light units 270 100 27,000 

control system with sensors 1 3000 3,000 

Skylight windows 70 400 28,000 

Photocell for external light 1 200 200 

Total   58,200 

HVAC & Building retrofit 

Item Quantity Cost $ /Unit Total cost ($) 

Replacement Roof with sandwich 

panel (with 50mm polystyrene board) 
3000 𝒎𝟐 45 135,000 

Add insulation layer of 50mm 

polystyrene for walls with installation 

work 

2200 60 132,000 

Install control system for HVAC with 

sensors 
1 12000 12,000 

HVAC Recovery system 4 15000 60,000 
   339,000 

Replace split units with VRF 

Item Quantity Cost $ /Unit Total cost ($) 

62 KW VRF 8 12000 96,000 

Installation 8 4000 32,000 

Total   128,000 

SWH 

Item Quantity Cost $ /Unit Total cost ($) 

Solar collector / Flat plate 20 150 3,000 

350-liter Storage Tank 6 500 3,000 

Steel Structure and Installation Work 1 5500 5,500 

Total   11,500 

PV system 

Item Quantity Cost $ /Unit total cost ($) 

PV module 410 Watt 1944 130 252,720 

Inverter 66 kWac 9 13500 121,500 

Steel structure for 3000 m2 PV and 6 

m above the ground 
3000 50 150,000 

Installation work (for 800 KW) 800 100 80,000 

Total   604,220 

Net Total Cost   1,140,920 

Table (3.8) shows the summary of accumulative investment cost and saving cost for all 

systems and applied measures of the NZEB case. In addition, this table shows the annual 

saving cost for the PV system, if the PV system is installed then the annual consumption 

(1,260,009.10 kWh) will be covered as free-from PV instead of the traditional grid and 

will eliminate about (250,000 $) as annual electricity cost. 



43 

Table 3.8: Summary of economic data 

Summary of economic data 

System 
Investment 

cost ($) 

Saving Annual Cost 

($) 
Life Time 

Annual 

O&M ($) 

Lighting 58,200 39,937.91 6 - 

HVAC & Building Retrofit 339,000 58,217.39 20 - 

Replace Split unit with VRF 128,000 20,537.71 20 8,000 

Solar absorption chiller - - 0 - 

SWH 11,500 2,229.69 20 - 

PV 604,220 248,401.79 20 42,000 

Total 1,140,920 369,324.49  50,000 

According to the information in table (3.8), an analysis table (A.8) -in Appendix A- was 

built, in order to show economic analysis in detail. While the table (3.9) shows 

the economic indicators value as SPP is less than (4) years and PW is positive value.  

Also, the net cash flow -figure (3.5)- was drawn according to the data of the analysis table 

(A.8) in appendix A.  

Table 3.9 Economic analysis result 

Economic analysis result 

Indicator Value 

PW 1,515,804.92 

SPP 3.5 Years 

Rate of Return (ROR) 27% 

Saving To Investment Ratio (S/I) 28% 

Profitability Index 126% 

LCOE 0.06 $/kWh 



44 

Figure 3.5: Net cash flow 

Net cash flow 

 
 

The net cash flow above illustrates the value of initial investment of NZEB vision in 

GACB, and also it shows the achieved annual saving – about (350,000 $) – that will cause 

return of the invested capital within four years. 

All previous tables above represent collected data and the results of calculation and 

simulation are carried out step by step according to the methodology of this study, in order 

to get decisive answer about economical parameters and amount of energy savings that 

can prove the feasibility of applying the concept of NZEB.      

3.7 Environmental Analysis of NZEB 

One kilowatt hour of traditional electricity from a gas station will produce (0.7) Kg of 

CO2. According to data in Table (3.8), the current annual consumption of electrical energy 

is (1,873,385.1 kWh), so the CO2 pollution is (1,311,369.57) Kg annually as a result of 

the generation of electrical needs from gas stations. 

When the mentioned measures are applied, then the annual saving of electrical needs is 

(613,376.00) kWh, so the reduction of CO2 is (429,363.20 Kg/year). While an additional 

reduction of the net annual production of CO2, if the concept of NZEB is applied. For a 



45 

more accurate calculation of CO2 emission, the Appendix I is an overall simulation by 

PVSYST, where the life cycle emission (LCE) is taken into account then the green carbon 

reduction is (16759.5) Tons over 20 years. That refers to the applying of NZEB concept 

at GACB can eliminate the annual amount of carbon emissions that are produced 

currently by traditional grid.      



46 

Chapter Four 

Discussion and Conclusions 

This chapter will refer to some points about NZEB, that represent the limitations and 

challenges may deviate or restrict results if they are not taken into account, in which the 

challenges toward NZEB can be divided mainly into: Technical aspects, economic aspects 

and social aspects [5].  

On the other hand, an action plan will be shown here to give attention to the 

implementation ideas of NZEB. Also, another section to discuss and comment on the 

results, and then talk about conclusions, recommendations, and future development of 

this research. 

4.1 Limitations & Challenges  

 Initial cost of efficient construction and materials is one of the important limitations 

that make misgivings about the feasibility of NZEB and form resistance to transition 

attempts.  

 The small altering of the perimeter or physical boundary of the buildings may cause 

different outcomes even within the same case. 

 The challenges of global warming and climate fluctuations throughout the years of 

the life cycle of NZEB projects can deviate the predicted outcomes. 

 In some cases, complex energy modeling software is required to make analysis and 

guarantee the annual outcomes. 

 Free spaces, Location & orientation of the facility can be considered one of the 

limitations for energy production from renewable resources, especially solar and wind 

technology. 

 Lack of incentive programs and encouragement regulations in this field. 

 Lack of awareness towards efficient practices of energy production and energy use.  

 Throughout this study, the critical challenge is: How can perform realistic 

modifications inside the GACB site to perform NZEB without reduction in the quality 

of services? 



47 

4.2 Action plan for Implementation 

NZEB idea can be carried out over multiple stages during a time frame of five years or 

more. Also, the work can be categorized according to the cost: No-cost measures, low-

cost measures, and costly measures, as table (A-9) in appendix A. While the figure (J.12) 

-in appendix J- represents the timeline for five years to complete the transition of GACB 

toward NZEB. 

4.3 Discussion 

1) Summary: Chapter one refers to several methods of conservation measures and some 

renewable systems can be employed to perform the net zero energy in public buildings 

in Palestine. And chapter two shows the targeted case and the procedure for 

conducting the study by using some software. Chapter three focuses on applying 

different measures and examining them through numerical values, calculations, and 

simulation results. 

2) The methodology of this research depends on performing analysis for some buildings 

and spaces, and then the results were generalized to other facilities by using some 

indicators like energy consumption per unit area (Energy intensity) and lighting 

power density. However, several opportunities can be discovered if detailed analyses 

are conducted for each part as an individual.  

3) Maybe the consumption of individual lighting devices is small relatively, but this 

study proves the total consumption of these lighting units in public buildings 

represents the 2nd load, where the huge number of fixtures or lighting units caused 

huge demand for a long time during working day. In addition, the arbitrary selection 

of these devices will cause huge deviations in power demand at large-scale buildings, 

so it is necessary to focus on the specifications of lighting units and select suitable 

devices according to space usage.  

4) Appendix F shows the importance of exploiting the daylight and intelligent control 

system to light up the spaces, in which the numerical values of consumption and 

charts - at controlled and uncontrolled cases – are shown in this report, and refer to 

saving in cost and CO2 emission during only one day at July.      

5) By review of the case study, the thermal load is the main burden not just because of 

the effect of high infiltration and bad insulation only, but also because the facilities 

inside the location were built as separated objects that caused increasing of the 



48 

exposed areas and then increase the heat exchange with ambient air. So, good 

architectural design and innovative practices during construction work will contribute 

additional savings and reduce the cost of insulation work.  

6) The results of the comparison between multiple options of HVAC, emphasize the 

positive effect of using high-performance cooling device, which reduction of energy 

consumption and also minimizes the size of the solar system and the space needed for 

installation.   

7) An absorption chiller with an evacuated tube is not a perfect choice for cooling in this 

case, which the cost of the system component is very expensive now, but mostly the 

absorption chiller will be more efficient if it is used as part of the cogeneration system 

to exploit the waste heat of industrial buildings for instance. 

8) Exploit solar energy to generate electrical needs is one of the sustainable practices, 

especially since these technologies are available and easy to implement, and in view 

of the efficiency of PV panels is continuously improving. Furthermore, the large area 

is available in GACB and it is used as parking, so the installation PV system will 

make multiple utilizations of spaces and create mutual benefits, in which PV module 

will work as an umbrella for vehicl