Buildings air-flow simulations: automatically-generated zonal models

We present an advanced formulation of zonal models for calculating indoor air temperature and flow distributions in buildings. Our modeling is based on  modularity:

Building thermal performance analysis by using Matlab/Simulink

This paper is focused on a mathematical model applied to both building thermal analysis and control systems design. A lumped approach is used to model the room air temperature and a multi-layer model for the building envelope. The capacitance model allows to study the transient analysis of room air temperature when it is submitted to sinusoidal variation of external air temperature, representing a case study for a cold day in the south Brazil. To evaluate the building performance with thermal parameters, we use MATLAB/SIMULINK.

Building simulation: some swiss experiences

This paper gives an overview about the use of building simulation in Switzerland. It focuses 4 different areas:

Building simulation by application of a HVAC system considering the thermal and moisture behaviors of the perimeter walls

This article introduces building simulation in conjunction with a HVAC system, especially a split system, considering thermal and moisture behaviors of the perimeter walls. A description of such a HVAC system is taken from TASK 22/ HVAC BESTEST [4]. Its model had already been validated by analytical methods and verified by comparative tests [5]. In order to simulate the thermal and moisture behaviors of the walls a TYPE 158 [6] has been developed based on the finite element method. Its results are in very good agreement with the humidity response function [7].

BSPRO COM-SERVER: interoperability between software tools using industry foundation classes

The continuing development of the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard by the International Alliance for Interoperability (IAI) creates new possibilities for achieving interoperability for design software through the use of a common object model of the building and its open data transfer standard. Several architectural CAD tools are already IFC compliant. However, in-depth knowledge of the highly complex IFC object model is required to develop IFC-compliant software.

Brise soleil: classical elements of tropical modernism

Horizontal and vertical brises soleil are dominant elements in the modernist tropical architecture. It was the obvious answer to the question on how to adapt the modernist architecture, developed in moderate climates, to the tropical climate with its particularly high solar radiation. Buildings for example like, the buildings of the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas (Carlos R. Villanueva, 1945 – 1953) or the ministry of education and culture MEC (Lúcio Costa, Le Corbusier et al.

BCHP computer simulation for medical complex design

This paper will describe a simulation experiment designed to benchmark the use of separate electric driven chiller plants for a nominal 100,000 sq. meter medical facility comprising two (2) twelve (12) story medical office towers and an adjacent six (6) story hospital incorporating gas and steam turbine driven chillers and separate gas turbine driven synchronous generator against each building with conventionally designed, separate plants using head to head computer simulation scenarios.

Automatic unit and property conversion in spark

In object based models, conversion becomes necessary when there is a mismatch among the representations of same physical quantity at the ports of different objects that need to be connected. The simplest example of this is with regard to physical units of measure, such as temperature. A more complex situation, but with the same character, is with regard to fluid flow, where the state can be represented in terms of any pair of independent properties, and the flow rate can be expressed volumetrically or in terms of mass.

Architectural constraints in a generative design system: interpreting energy consumption levels

This paper investigates the possibility of encoding architectural design intentions into a generative design system, using as a test bed the School of Architecture at Oporto [Portugal], designed by Álvaro Siza. Based on language constraints derived from Siza’s original design, the generative system [GS], consisting of a genetic algorithm and the DOE-2.1E building simulation program, created facade solutions resulting in lower annual energy consumption, while acting simultaneously as a diagnosis mechanism for problems occurring in the existing building.

Appying simplified simulation tools and techniques to the design of new commercial buildings

Despite the potential benefits of improved energy efficiency and enhanced comfort for eventual occupants, most architects and engineers resist using computer simulation methods in the design of new buildings. Issues of program complexity as well as the time required to produce a simulation have kept many otherwise progressive architecture and engineering firms from embracing this powerful analysis tool. This paper describes how powerful lighting and energy simulation tools in conjunction with simplified strategies can improve building performance right from the start.

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