Optimization of semi-open spaces of apartment houses to become a sunspace using simulated annealing algorithm

Improving thermal comfort in buildings is one of the important issues that is emphasized in today's buildings. Given the growth in energy consumption, saving resources in buildings is an indispensable necessity. Optimal use of free solar energy on the one hand provides a favourable environment for the occupants of the building and on the other hand reduces the building energy consumption in cold months of the year. Since the overall trend of residential construction in Iran has led to the development of apartment units, Applying climate solutions that can be used in such buildings is an important need that is getting less attention these days. The use of semi-open spaces such as balconies, terraces and porchs in apartment units is emphasized by the National Building Regulations of Iran and is widely used in contemporary buildings.  When cleverly designed, these spaces can be converted to a sunspace to be used as a passive system for the absorption and utilization of solar energy. The purpose of this study is to use artificial intelligence and algorithmic optimization to find the optimal dimensions, from and properties of semi-open spaces in warm and dry climates in Iran, to transform them into a sunspace to be used in cold months of the year. The research method in this study is simulation and logical reasoning. To reach this goal, a residential space in Shiraz was simulated, and then the parameters of the semi-open space (dimensions, indoor window area, semi-open space type, glass type and ventilation) were investigated in order to convert it into a sunspace. Then the optimal conditions of each of these parameters for the city of Shiraz were determined. The results show that such an space can optimally reduce up to 54% of the building's heating energy consumption and the best results came from terraces using double glazing cover.