Optimization of a Design Process and Passive Parameters for Residential Nearly Zero Energy Building Envelopes Based on Energy Consumption Targets

The calculation of energy consumption in building plans is usually carried out after design completion, resulting in high time costs and hindering their application in the early design stage. This study focused on the heating and cooling demands of nearly zero energy residential buildings in Jinan and developed an envelope optimization model for the design stage. Firstly, field research on residential buildings in Jinan was conducted, and the shape coefficient based on research data was determined. Subsequently, ten design parameters were selected, and a prediction function was established through multiple linear regression. Finally, the mechanisms between the parameters and energy consumption were revealed, and the reliability of the model was verified. Results showed that the most energy-efficient shape coefficient is an 18-story rectangular building with a length of 52.6 m, a width of 15.1 m, and a floor-to-floor height of 3 m. The goodness of fit of the prediction function is 0.994. The adjusted R2 and RMSE of the neural network model in interpretable analysis are 0.933 and 0.089, respectively. The window-to-wall ratio significantly impacts energy consumption. This study addresses the lack of energy optimization by establishing a process that first determines energy-efficient parameter combinations and then refines the architectural scheme, and provides software to assist architects in design during schematic phases.