IBPSA2003

Building design and operation processes can be supported by many kinds of models, from traditional architectural scale models to computer-generated virtual buildings. This paper presents four variations not so much "on", but rather "around" the theme of computational building models. As such, these variations address matters and ideas that are important for the range and effectiveness of model application towards supporting the design and operation of more habitable and sustainable built environments.

Speech intelligibility is a major concern in mosque acoustical design. Diverse mosque geometric configurations exist varying from the classical rectangle to the octagon-shaped plan. This study investigates the acoustical performance of commonly built forms of mosques utilizing room-acoustics computer models. Simulation of sound fields of five simple forms is conducted for different religious activities and level of occupancy.

Cyprus is an island in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its climate is characterised by abundant sunshine and by moderate to heavy winter conditions. The microclimate though, varies considerably from location to location and is strongly affected by the elevation of a particular location and the proximity to the sea. In this study, four locations are considered which are representative of all the microclimates encountered in Cyprus; coastal, lowland, semimountainous, and mountainous.

Building and HVAC system design can significantly improve if numerical optimization is used. However, if a cost function that is smooth in the design parameter is evaluated by a building energy simulation program, it usually becomes replaced with a numerical approximation that is discontinuous in the design parameter.

Copious amounts of data are generated by contemporary building simulation (BS) programs and the translation of these data to information that may be acted upon is problematic. Although graphs are an effective way of displaying quantitative information, they are unable to support experiential appraisals whereby building performance can be fully comprehended. To achieve this requires the use of multimedia techniques, including colour, sound and animation.

This paper describes four simulation models, which reproduce energy and temperature measurements of occupied buildings very well. These buildings represent small to medium size residential low-energy buildings of different construction type, which are typical for mid-Europe. For the simulation, the software TRNSYS is used. The reproduction of measured energy and temperatures in time steps of 15 minutes is well suited for precise predictions on heating energy demand and comfort of the buildings and modifications of them.

This paper describes a new software application for analysing climate data. It is argued that the produced graphical charts can be useful concept stage design tools in their own right. In describing the software this paper presents a review of climate analysis techniques. It is hoped that this review will be of use to the architectural science student. By way of demonstration climatic charts for Limburg, which is close to the conference venue of Eindhoven, are presented. Finally, scope for further development of the software tool is outlined.

In 1998, MoD commissioned ANSYS CFX to develop a numerical procedure, based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), aimed at providing a practical tool which can be integrated into design processes in order to optimise lowpressure fine water spray fire suppression systems. The work, which employs the CFX software, included a sensitivity study which investigated the influence of a number of parameters and compared the predictions with an experiment conducted by the Loss Prevention Council (LPC). This paper outlines parts of that work. Preliminary results were encouraging.

When making design decisions, which can impact on building capital cost and performance, the design team has to be confident that the simulation tool is generating reliable output. Confidence can be gained via several mechanisms. In all cases data quality is of prime importance. Recognising the quality of data, or the lack of quality, and how this impacts on the predictions of the simulation tool is crucial to making informed design decisions.