Development of an air-based open loop building-integrated photovoltaic/thermal system model

This paper develops convective heat transfer coefficients for several different BIPV/T system configurations using Computational Fluid Dynamics models. The results for one of the CFD cases are validated with experimental data from a BIPV/T installation. The second part of the paper describes a model which is used to generate annual performance data for the system, including thermal and electrical energy production. Framing elements increase the turbulence which in turns increases the convective heat transfer coefficients.

A simple model of domestic PV systems and their integration with building loads

Photovoltaic systems can reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the consumption of electricity in dwellings. One key issue that affects both the  economic case for home installation and the integration with the mains electricity grid is the match between the instantaneous production and demand for power. This initial study considers a sample of 10 dwellings which were monitored under the UK Government’s Photovoltaic Domestic Field Trial.

A simulation-supported control scheme for natural ventilation in buildings

This paper addresses the potential of the simulation assisted operation of devices for natural ventilation. Toward this end, a control scheme was conceived as follows: at specific points in time, the control system applies simulation to predict how various window operation regimes would affect the indoor temperature in the building over the course of the following day. Comparison and ranking of the simulation results is conducted using Mean Overheating of the indoor air in selected spaces as the relevant performance indicator.

Key factors - methodology for enhancement and support of building energy performance

This paper presents the Key Factors methodology that supports energy managers in determining the optimal building operation strategy in relation to both energy consumption and thermal comfort. The methodology is supported by the utilisation of calibrated building energy simulation models that match measured data gathered by an extensive measurement framework. The paper outlines the proposed methodology defining the underpinning concepts and illustrating the performance metrics required to capture the effect of different building operation strategies.

Control strategies for managing energy in a building mock-up

The present work focuses on investigating ways to enhance the energetic performance of buildings i.e. on proposing control strategies for managing energy in buildings. Therefore, control algorithms were tested using a prototype, composed of a building mock-up, a monitoring system and a data post-treatment software. The data acquisition system allows recording both mock-up indoor/outdoor temperatures and energy consumption. Two resistors serve as renewable and fossil fuel energy sources respectively.

Recent advances in simulation-powered building systems control

In a simulation-powered building systems control approach, presently available control options are virtually projected onto a future time step via numeric simulation. Subsequently, the respective (performance-relevant) consequences are predicted, compared, and ranked, thus providing the basis for optimal control actions. A proof of concept for this approach has been presented in previous research.

Dynamic test method for the determination of the global seasonal performance factor of heat pumps used for heating, cooling and domestic hot water preparation

The necessity of innovation on the field of renewable energy systems imposes on the industry to develop faster and faster new products or product assemblies while managing perfectly the quality of the products. In order to accelerate this process, a first version of a dynamic emulation test method has been developed. Since the test bench emulates the building that is connected to the system being tested, the test can be carried out under “quasi”-realistic, dynamic conditions: dynamic weather conditions and occupancy profiles are used as well as a simulated building and heating/cooling syste

Dynamic modelling of ship environments with Esp-r

ESP-r is a powerful tool for simulating building environments and their various mechanical and electrical systems. It has potential for investigating and optimising the thermal performance of enclosed areas of ships and other ocean vessels. ESP-r allows the various elements of an environment such as geometry, topology, occupancy and ventilation systems to be considered in a dynamic, integrated manner.

Computer simulation for better design and operation of large office building air-conditioning

The paper deals with the use of computer simulations both for the design support of a new buildings and HVAC system development and for the optimisation of the system control strategy in the building.

Comparison of different approaches for the simulation of boilers using oil, gas, pellets or wood chips

A detailed model for the simulation of boilers using oil, gas, pellets or wood chips has been developed and compared with measurements. Approaches of different complexity for the simulation of steady state flue gas losses were tested. The more physical approaches are able to reproduce measured data better than the simpler empirical models, but they also require more model parameters to be determined and a higher simulation effort. Cycling behaviour of the simple one-node thermal mass approach of the model was compared with measured cycling behaviour of a pellet boiler.

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