building performance simulation

According to researchers, climate change is inevitable in the 21st century. As far as Greece is concerned, this climate change will be related to an increase in ambient surface temperature and to a decrease in annual precipitation. On the other hand wind patterns will not change significantly. Also, no significant changes are expected for global solar radiation. Regional climate models related to Greece show low uncertainties. The climate of Greece is typical Mediterranean with wet, cool winters and hot, dry summers.

This paper describes a pilot study testing the applicability of using building performance simulation (BPS) to quantify the impact of 28 energy saving behaviour changes on the residential space heating demand, based on a mid-terraced house located in the southwest of England. The 28 behaviour change options were collected based on a combination of literature review and expert knowledge. DesignBuilder V3.2, whose thermal dynamic simulation engine is Energyplus 7.2, was used to predict the impact of each behaviour change option on the space heating demand of the case study house.

In the past 20 years, better representation of occupants’ window operation in building performance simulation has received great attention, and several useful window opening behaviour models have been developed. Beyond these, this paper describes the development of window opening behaviour models based on alternative occupant classification approaches, namely, modelling occupants’ window operation actions as a whole; modelling actions based on sub-groups (i.e.

Previous work involving literature review, simulation tool analysis and interviews with world leading building performance consulting engineers and designers has shown that building performance simulation (BPS) is mostly limited to code compliance checking of the final building design whilst it could provide useful information and guidelines throughout the entire design process [Hopfe et al., 2005/ 2006].

This paper reports the final results of a research project, which aims to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. The paper focus on developing Web-services based SOAP/XML to run-time couple control and building performance simulation. Data exchange via Webservices allows system components to be looselycoupled, rather than combined into an integrated building control systems.

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.

Reliable information regarding user presence and behavior in buildings is crucial for building performance simulation applications (energy consumption, indoor environment). In this context, the present contribution describes an effort to observe control-oriented occupant behavior in 29 offices of a large high-rise office complex over a period of one year. The observations regarding control behavior tendencies suggest relationships to both indoor environmental conditions and outdoor environment parameters.

The effectiveness of building performance simulation can be increased if more reliable information regarding user presence and behavior in buildings become available. In this context, the present contribution describes a study of control-oriented actions by the occupants of 6 offices in an office building over a period of nine months. The results suggest that control behavior may be related to both indoor environmental conditions and outdoor environment parameters.

As in most buildings windows, shades, luminaries, radiators, fans, and other control devices can be operated by building occupants, information on user control behavior is crucial toward accurate prediction of building performance (energy consumption, indoor environment). The present contribution describes an effort to observe control-oriented occupant behavior in an educational building over a period of one year.

The climate of Greece is typical Mediterranean with wet, cool winters and hot, dry summers. The temperature range is on average between 5°C to 35°C without many extreme temperatures and weather events. The cool sea breeze on the islands makes summer conditions milder. According to researchers and assessment reports of the United Nations climate change is inevitable in the 21st century. Regional climate models related to Greece show low uncertainties.