Search results for "Building simulation"

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR COMMUNITIES: A SCENARIO ANALYSIS

The study proposes the comparisonof the life cycle performances of two different energy systems aimed at covering the needs of a large mixed-mode community, in Calgary (Canada). The two systems investigated are a“conventional” one, using heat pumps for heating, cooling and domestic hot water, and another one widely deploying solar thermal panels as well as a district heating infrastructure and a borehole seasonal thermal storage. The analysis is based on the LifeCycle Assessment (LCA) methodology and includes the stages of raw materials and energy supply, system manufacturing, use stage of the systems, generation and use of energy on-site, maintenance and components’ substitution, and explo…

Building energy demand assessment through heating degree days: the importance of a climatic dataset

2019

Abstract The weather is one of the main factors to consider when designing a building because it represents the most important boundary condition to affect the dynamic behaviour of the building. In the literature, many studies use the degree day to predict building energy demand. However, linking the results obtained from a generic building simulation tool with defined degree days, will not give reliable energy evaluation. The goal of this study is to demonstrate that the assessment of building energy demand through the use of the degree day is correct only if the determination of the climate index is a function of the same weather data. The relationship between Heating Degree-Day and heati…

Modeling the energy and environmental life cycle of buildings: A co-simulation approach

2017

Abstract Building simulation is currently looking towards interdisciplinary experiences, aiming to the integration of simulation tools in different technical domains. At the same time, the interest of the building community to high performance buildings has also strengthened the interest on Life Cycle performances of such buildings, due to the reduction in their operational stage impacts. In this context, the paper proposes an integration of building simulation and Life Cycle Assessment through the programming of a TRNSYS component. It can perform Life Cycle Assessment studies, while having as output as well energy balances and energy and environmental payback times. Currently, the tool is …

To Assess the Validity of the Transfer Function Method: A Neural Model for the Optimal Choice of Conduction Transfer Functions

2010

This paper presents a new mathematical approach applied to the Conduction Transfer Functions (CTFs) of a multilayered wall to predict the reliability of building simula- tions based upon them. Such a procedure can be used to develop a decision support system that identifies the best condition to calculate the best CTFs set. This is a critical point at the core of ASHRAE calculation methodology founded on the Transfer Function Method (TFM). To evaluate the perfor- mance of different CTFs sets, the authors built a large amount of data, subsequently employed to train a Neural Network Classifier (NNC) able to predict the reliability of a simulation without performing it. For this purpose all th…

Net Zeb case studies. Leaf House

2015

In this book, accomplished international experts present advanced modeling techniques as well as in-depth case studies meant to lead designers towards the optimal use of simulation tools for the design of net-zero energy buildings (Net ZEBs). The book discusses different design processes and tools used in designing Net ZEBs, starting from the fundamental concepts, design strategies, and technologies. These processes and tools are then evaluated by referring to four diverse Net ZEBs where the authors were intimately involved from the design concept to operation. The high resolution measured performance data from these case studies are compared with the predictions made using the respective d…

Application of optimized artificial intelligence algorithm to evaluate the heating energy demand of non-residential buildings at European level

2019

Abstract A reliable preliminary forecast of heating energy demand of a building by using a detailed dynamic simulation software typically requires an in-depth knowledge of the thermal balance, several input data and a very skilled user. The authors will describe how to use Artificial Neural Networks to predict the demand for thermal energy linked to the winter climatization of non-residential buildings. To train the neural network it was necessary to develop an accurate energy database that represents the basis of the training of a specific Artificial Neural Networks. Data came from detailed dynamic simulations performed in the TRNSYS environment. The models were built according to the stan…

LA SIMULAZIONE TERMICA DEGLI EDIFICI IN REGIME DINAMICO: UN CASO STUDIO PER LA VALIDAZIONE DEL SOFTWARE ESP-R

2008

Data fusion analysis applied to different climate change models: an application to the energy consumptions of a building office

2018

The paper aims to achieve the modelling of climate change effects on heating and cooling in the building sector, through the use of the available Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasted data. Data from several different climate models will be fused with regards to mean air temperature, wind speed and horizontal solar radiation. Several climatic models data were analyzed ranging from January 2006 to December 2100. Rather than considering each model in isolation, we propose a data fusion approach for providing a robust combined model for morphing an existing weather data file. The final aim is simulating future energy use for heating and cooling of a reference building as a conse…

Comparison Between Conventional and Vegetated Roof by Means of a Dynamic Simulation

2015

In this paper, a dynamic simulation of a building located in the Campus University of Palermo, Italy, has been carried out. We considered two different scenarios; in the first one, the building as it is, with a conventional covering, while in the second one the roof was equipped with a green roof. The results of the two simulations have been compared, suggesting that such building component could contribute to the energy savings of the building. However, it has to be considered as part of other possible actions devoted to improve the energy efficiency of the whole building. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://…

Life cycle energy performances and environmental impacts of a prefabricated building module

2018

Abstract The paper explores the energy performances and environmental impacts of a prefabricated building module located in Messina (Sicily, Italy) through an approach that combines both the non-steady state building simulation and the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. The building uses renewable energy technologies and is usable in emergency situations or as simply temporary housing. Results show that the building module causes the emission of 1.5 t of CO2eq/m2 and consumes 29.2 GJ/m2 of primary energy during its life cycle. The building achieves the Net Zero Energy Building target even if it has relevant environmental impacts in the materials production stage (72% on average of the total…