Two-phase application of multi-objective genetic algorithms in green building design

This paper presents the application of multi-objective genetic algorithms for green building design to minimize two conflicting criteria: the life-cycle cost and the life-cycle environmental impact. Environmental impact categories considered in this study include energy and non-energy natural resources, global warming, and acidification. Variables focus on building envelope-related parameters. The application of multi-objective genetic algorithms is divided into two phases.

Two solution methods of heat transfer with phase change within whole building dynamic simulation

The aim of the presented work is to compare two solution methods of specific and latent heat transfer in building components e.g. walls, ceilings or floors. The effect of latent heat storage results from one or more layer made from composites with heighten heat accumulation. This additional heat accumulation follows that the selected layer is modified by incorporating Phase Change Materials (PCM) into its porous structure. The thermal behavior of phase change storage composites has been studied using numerical techniques.

Two DOE-2 functions

This paper presents two DOE-2 functions to expand the modeling capability of DOE-2.1E, a popular calculation engine for building energy simulations. The first function models sensible and total heat recovery between outside air and exhaust air, with optional evaporative precooling of exhaust air before the heat recovery. The existing heat recovery of DOE-2 only allows preheating outside air when exhaust air is more than 10°F warmer than outside air.

Transferring simulation from specialists into design practice

Building simulation tools (energy, lighting, plant simulation, CFD, etc) have long been the preserve of a few specialist consultancies rather than being used where they can have the greatest impact - by construction design practices. This has resulted in additional costs for designers (time and financial) in terms of buying in specialist services.

Toward a unified information space for the specification of building performance simulation results

We present a framework for the specification of building performance simulation output results. Toward this end, we describe a simulation output space, whose primary dimensions include scalar and vector attributes, spatial destination, temporal destination, and aggregation method. We then test the corresponding matrix empirically, by considering a number of performance simulation applications for thermal, lighting, and acoustic analysis. We demonstrate how the simulation results generated by these applications could be conveniently accommodated in the proposed performance output space.

Thermal mass, insulation and ventilation in sustainable housing – an investigation across climate and occupancy

Sustainable housing standards are reviewed including the UK 2005 building regulations, the UK Advanced Standard and EU Passive-house Standard. Conflicts between the standards are highlighted. The significance of insulation, orientation, ventilation, thermal mass, occupancy, gains, shading and climate on predicted energy performance is illustrated. An ESP-r model is then used to investigate these factors across a range of climates and occupancy / gains scenarios. The investigation covers both heating and cooling energy requirements.

The use of simulations to support the retrofitting of a dutch monastery,listed as a historic building and being re-used as an office building

This paper describes the use of simulations to support the renovation process of a monastery, that is listed as an historic building and is being re-used as an office building. No simulations were used in the creative phase of the process, partly because no suitable simulation tools are available. In the other phases of the design, several software tools were used to answer different kinds of questions. The paper describes the ways in which these tools were used and makes recommendations for consultants and software developers. 

 

The use of building simulation by a private consultancy in New Zealand

This paper presents an overview of the use of building simulation in a private consultancy in New Zealand. The current state of the industry is outlined before the specific practice is introduced. The software and some office protocols are described. Several case studies are then examined to demonstrate how simulation has fit in with the design process. Issues currently facing the industry, and their likely effect in the future, are then discussed. 

 

The use of advanced computer simulation in structural design

This paper covers the innovative use of advanced numerical simulation in the field of structural engineering. It begins with a brief review of current standard practice and then discusses the latest more advanced technologies and approaches that are available. The practical benefits of using advanced simulation as an integral part of the design process are illustrated through a range of international project case studies

The thermal comfort, the indoor environment control, and the energy consumption in three types of operating rooms

This research investigated the influence of three layouts of operating rooms on the indoor environment control, on thermal comfort and on energy consumption. It was used the EnergyPlus software. The parameters of the environment were described in accordance with standards. The three layouts had controlled the temperature and relative humidity. The patient presented extreme discomfort. The anesthesiologist presented much discomfort and in some cases discomfort. Other people remained in comfort or a little discomfort. The layout combining two hallways and an operation room indicated the best

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