Thermal load responses of a large assembly workshop to envelope and ventilation design in a severe cold region

This study investigates thermal load responses to envelope and ventilation parameters in a large assembly workshop in Shenyang, China, using controlled DeST simulations. Reducing the wall U value from 1.0 to 0.1 W/(m 2 K) decreased annual heating load by 10.6%, compared with 1.85% for the same roof change, identifying wall insulation as the more influential measure. Lower shading coefficients reduced cooling load but increased heating load, indicating that thermal and daylight performance should be considered together. Increasing outdoor air exchange reduced cooling load while raising winter heating demand, and boundary analysis showed that sensible heat recovery can moderate this penalty. The interval from 3 to 4 ACH marks a transition in modeled cooling response and can inform ventilation design when combined with indoor air quality and production requirements. Because operational measurements and reliable production schedules were unavailable, the model was not calibrated and internal heat gains remained fixed. The results therefore represent comparative thermal responses rather than operational energy predictions. The findings establish a hierarchy of insulation, solar control, ventilation, and heat recovery measures for industrial buildings in severe cold regions.