Numerical modelling of multiple standing column wells for heating and cooling buildings

A model for simulating clusters of standing column wells (SCWs) for use in geothermal heating and cooling systems is described in this paper. The model is three-dimensional, dynamic and solves the governing equations using a finite volume discretisation scheme with a fully implicit algorithm. The slower-acting field equations are solved using a wider time interval than that used for the faster-acting well equations and the two sets of equations are coupled through the field equation source terms. A groundwater bleed feature is incorporated.

Modelling space heating systems connected to district heating in case of electric power failure

Since district heating (DH) is the dominating heating system in Scandinavia, and fairly common in large parts  of Europe, it is of vital interest to study the possibility  for buildings connected to DH to receive heat during an electric power failure. Our studies have proved it possible to achieve natural circulation in space  heating systems indirectly connected to DH if the DH network operation can be maintained. Natural circulation in modern heating systems has been simulated. The model shows good resemblance with field studies.

Implementation and validation of combustion engine microcogeneration routine for the simulation program IDA-ICE

Combined generation of thermal and electrical energy in units with electrical power less than 10 kW provides an attractive option for the energy supply of residential buildings due to their potential to high overall efficiency and thus capability of reducing emissions. Dynamic simulations of such systems are required to performance assessments that aim at finding the most energy efficient system topologies. This paper presents the implementation of a  combustion engine-based micro-cogeneration routine into IDA-ICE, which is a widely used building simulation program in the Nordic Countries.

Dynamic simulation of a complete solar assisted conditioning system in an office building using TRNSYS

To minimize environmental impact and CO2 production associated with air-conditioning system operation, it is reasonable to evaluate the prospects of a clean energy source. Solar energy can drive an absorption chiller in order to satisfy the cooling needs of buildings. The objective of this work is to build a simulation environment that can evaluate accurately the energy consumption of an air conditioning system including a solar driven absorption chiller.

Right sizing an off-grid solar house

Power reliability is one of the biggest concerns for people living off-grid. Current practice in off-grid solar house tends to either oversize solar power system or oversize the backup generator to ensure available electricity at all times, which often leads to a high system capital cost. Research has shown that  right-sizing is essential to achieve a more efficient system with reduced energy consumption. Sound, responsible system sizing can only happen when liability issues become part of the design methodology, i.e.

Using existing whole building energy tools for designing net-zero energy buildings – challenges and workarounds

As part of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s (WBCSD) energy efficiency in building project, the authors have been involved in modelling various technology options for different building market segments to reach net-zero energy goal. This paper describes the modelling of single-family residence in US southeast as a case-in-point to illustrate the most common strategies that are considered during net-zero energy building (NZEB) design stage, ease of modelling these strategies using different tools, and issues of input/output quality control.

Investigating the potential for achieving low and zero carbon homes in the UK using an interactive code for sustainable homes based toolkit

This paper describes the development, application and analysis of an interactive user-friendly Code for Sustainable Homes based toolkit called Sustainability  appraisal Toolkit (SAT) commissioned by a leading UK social housing provider. The SAT software runs on MS Excel and is used to evaluate the technical and economical feasibility of achieving Code levels 4, 5 and 6 for a representative sample of new-build dwellings in the UK for different scales of development (single-home, 25-home and 250-home development).

IBPSA 2009 - Glasgow, Scotland

International Building Simulation Conference 2009, Glasgow, Scotland. 

Contains 307 papers.

Pages