English

In this paper, the environment and energy performance of an actual coupled earth tube and natural ventilation system in a gymnasium was measured during the post-acceptance step in two operation states: no ventilation and natural ventilation. From the measurement result, the authors conducted the commissioning for this system. By the use of the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) coupled analysis with natural ventilation method, the natural ventilation air volume and the indoor temperature in summer and autumn while windless have been calculated.

A series of new simulation tools are being developed to help the building energy auditor in establishing his diagnosis (including benchmarking and detailed analysis of actual energy consumption) and in evaluating the selected Energy Conservation Opportunities (ECOs).  The Building-HVAC System global models presented here include simplified models of building zones and of HVAC equipment. Only a limited number of easily identifiable parameters are required. The simplicity of the models and the use of an equation solver to run the simulation ensure good robustness and full transparency.

In this study, the data related to the thermal performance of a single family house, such as room temperatures, incident solar radiations on external surfaces, form factors between external surfaces and outside environment were measured and compared with the simulated results using developed EESLISMver6. 

Energy consumption in buildings is currently a real problem. That is why both assessment of energy performance and effective energy management are essential. In this context, the present paper focuses on developing a commercial monitoring station (BEMS) with the support of three industrial partners, Apex-BP Solar, Pyrescom and the "Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment" (CSTB).

As a part of commissioning case study, the cooling ceiling system of a commercial building in Brussels is experimentally evaluated by means of a functional test procedure and a detailed thermal model of this system. This one has to be used in situ, as diagnosis tool in commissioning process in order to determine the main parameters of the cooling ceiling systems. Due to the extended glazing surface of the building, the problem is the overheating of zones submitted to the expected solar heat gains.

This paper presents the results of a study performed to develop a computational model of cooling ceiling systems. This one has to be used in situ, as diagnosis tool in commissioning process in order to determine the main operating conditions of the system in cooling mode. The model considers the cooling ceiling as a fin. Only the dry regime is considered.

This paper describes the development of a BIPV design tool that integrates the building and PV simulation capabilities of EnergyPlus building performance simulation software and Google SketchUp 3D drafting software. The BIPV design tool builds on the OpenStudio plugin by Peter Ellis to include solar radiation analysis and PV simulation features that can be done from inside SketchUp. The BIPV design tool is an improvement in the BIPV design workflow in EnergyPlus that normally requires the user to manually input text-based files.

For the upcoming release of TRNSYS 17, one main focus is the improvement of the simulation of highly glazed large spaces such as multi-story atriums with respect to accuracy, user effort and error-proneness.

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].

ROOM is a dynamic thermal simulation model that has been continuously developed at Arup over the last 30 years.  It remains one of the principal tools used for thermal modelling within Arup.  The programme includes detailed representation of complex geometry and building constructions, radiative heat transfer and air movement.  ROOM is particularly suitable for determining environmental conditions and heating and cooling loads in spaces such as atria, naturally ventilated buildings and shopping malls. Arup have developed new bespoke versions of ROOM for specific applications.