Predicting Energy Use for Mosques During Ramadan

Sara Akasha and Dr. Adnan Alanzi

Abstract

Energy usage patterns in mosques are significantly affected during the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, mosques face an increase in energy demand due to the extended operation hours, higher occupancy, and other communal activities. Due to this, it is important to predict energy use for effective energy planning and cost management. This study highlights the importance of predicting the energy useage of mosques during Ramadan. Methods included in this study analyzing historical data trends, conducting surveys with worshippers and mosques staff, and modeling and simulation mosques to forecast energy consumption. This study audits a mosque in a typical residential neighborhood in Kuwait where an energy model is built and calibrated using hourly observations. Based on a calibrated energy simulation model, it was predicted that energy consumption during Ramadan will increase by 2.7%. Additionally, the model evaluated Ramadan's energy consumption impact by comparing Ramadan with no-Ramadan scenarios; the results show that Ramadan contributes almost 8% to energy consumption increases. This initial analysis predicts the energy demand during this holy month so mosques can adequately meet this demand while minimizing costs, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable practices.