IBPSA2007

In Portugal, the external thermal insulation systems (ETIS) are nowadays a current technical solution in residential buildings, contrasting with the rarely used internal thermal insulation systems (ITIS). In this paper, a quantitative analysis on ITIS is done based on three hygrothermal façade requirements: interstitial condensations, thermal bridges, and temperature variations across the external wall. Computer simulation was used as research tool.

Building performance simulation (BPS) is a powerful technique to predict the performance of a design proposal. It is extensively used towards the end of the design process to, for example, prove code compliance. However, its potential to provide design guidance early in the design process is rarely exploited. That is although decisions taken during conceptual design have a disproportionate impact on the final building performance, relative to time and effort consumed (Domeschek et al, 1994). To intensify the use of BPS early is to extend its capabilities.

A performace assessment study has been performed on the application of Stirling engine (SE) and Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) residential cogeneration systems in single family detached houses in Canada. Detailed mathematical component models, calibrated with measured data from prototypes, were combined into the whole-building simulation program ESP-r with synthetic electricity and domestic hot water demand profiles from calibrated event based generators to realistically forecast the Greenhouse gas emission reduction and efficiency improvement of these new technologies. Simulation models and

This paper explores effective means to opt for the optimum design solutions of commercial buildings through developing a Based-Simulation Design Support System (BSDSS). The system is established by the integration between EnergyPlus and Radiance software programs. The design alternatives of a typical private office are developed and evaluated based on multi-attribute life-cycle analysis. Results show that there is still a potential to improve the building design especially at the early stage.

Participants in building simulation supported projects are diverse (e.g. design teams, clients, project managers and simulation practitioners) and often geographically dispersed. There is much about conventional approaches to building performance assessments and work practices that reduces productivity and obscures useful indicators of performance. Often, the goal of understanding how the building works and the impact of design decisions is hampered by limitations in the presentation of performance data.

This paper aims to analyze an office building energy performance at Rio de Janeiro. Electrical power consumption profile of a building, resulting from a simulation using building energy-use simulation software, is obtained during a typical year and is shown on an hourly basis and pursuant to final uses. Thus, power consumption figures are obtained through the following final uses: lighting, office equipments, air conditioning and others.

This article presents a simulation study comparing the thermal interior comfort performance, the energy consumption and the efficiency of (i) nighttime ventilation concepts considering varying air change rates, (ii) three thermo-active building systems (TABS) and (iii) ceiling mounted radiant cooling panels in a low energy office building for a chosen climate of the Test Reference Year (TRY) weather database as well as for the hot summer 2003 in South-West Germany.

There is an increasing demand for energy efficient and environment-friendly buildings with a high  thermal comfort. On the other hand, the Kyoto protocol binds the developed countries to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases at least by 5% by 2008-2012.

Significant progress has been made in the area of common data exchange in the building industry with the development of information technology. Currently, the Industry Foundation Class (IFC) and Green Building XML (gbXML) are two prevalent informational infrastructures in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.

This paper deals with a common moisture problem in Swedish houses – the occurrence of high moisture levels in attics, and with a remedy proposed by building authorities – the ventilation of attic by outdoor air. The aim of the work is to identify  operating scenarios for an attic that lead to a moisture accumulation on internal side of the roof and to investigate whether ventilation (governed by wind) may help in removing the moisture excess. The role of the attic ventilation is analyzed by comparing attics with different air infiltration rates from a dwelling.