Optimization of Electrical Energy Consumption for Cooling in CAPFCE School Buildings Located in Hot-Dry Climates

This study evaluates the electricity consumption for cooling in a set of buildings on the Hermosillo Campus of the University of Sonora, specifically those built in the 1940s under the guidelines of the Administrative Committee of the Federal School Construction Program (CAPFCE), which were not designed to respond to the hot dry climate of the region. Currently, these buildings constitute a significant part of the campus, which underlines the relevance of the study.To this end, energy simulations were carried out in various scenarios, incorporating the thermal properties of the materials, the volumetric configuration of the buildings, the occupancy of the classrooms and the patterns of use, considering variables such as the temperature of the thermostat, the opening of doors and the lighting of luminaires. Additionally, on-site measurements were carried out with a thermal imaging camera and temperature sensors to validate the simulations. The findings of this research provide key information to improve efficiency in the use of refrigeration, as well as to establish more sustainable operating criteria, applicable also to other educational institutions with similar climatic conditions and buildings