We present a framework for the specification of building performance simulation output results. Toward this end, we describe a simulation output space, whose primary dimensions include scalar and vector attributes, spatial destination, temporal destination, and aggregation method. We then test the corresponding matrix empirically, by considering a number of performance simulation applications for thermal, lighting, and acoustic analysis. We demonstrate how the simulation results generated by these applications could be conveniently accommodated in the proposed performance output space.

Sustainable housing standards are reviewed including the UK 2005 building regulations, the UK Advanced Standard and EU Passive-house Standard. Conflicts between the standards are highlighted. The significance of insulation, orientation, ventilation, thermal mass, occupancy, gains, shading and climate on predicted energy performance is illustrated. An ESP-r model is then used to investigate these factors across a range of climates and occupancy / gains scenarios. The investigation covers both heating and cooling energy requirements.

This paper describes the use of simulations to support the renovation process of a monastery, that is listed as an historic building and is being re-used as an office building. No simulations were used in the creative phase of the process, partly because no suitable simulation tools are available. In the other phases of the design, several software tools were used to answer different kinds of questions. The paper describes the ways in which these tools were used and makes recommendations for consultants and software developers. 

This paper presents an overview of the use of building simulation in a private consultancy in New Zealand. The current state of the industry is outlined before the specific practice is introduced. The software and some office protocols are described. Several case studies are then examined to demonstrate how simulation has fit in with the design process. Issues currently facing the industry, and their likely effect in the future, are then discussed. 

This paper covers the innovative use of advanced numerical simulation in the field of structural engineering. It begins with a brief review of current standard practice and then discusses the latest more advanced technologies and approaches that are available. The practical benefits of using advanced simulation as an integral part of the design process are illustrated through a range of international project case studies

This research investigated the influence of three layouts of operating rooms on the indoor environment control, on thermal comfort and on energy consumption. It was used the EnergyPlus software. The parameters of the environment were described in accordance with standards. The three layouts had controlled the temperature and relative humidity. The patient presented extreme discomfort. The anesthesiologist presented much discomfort and in some cases discomfort. Other people remained in comfort or a little discomfort. The layout combining two hallways and an operation room indicated the best

This paper discusses the modification and testing of an existing dynamic thermal model to include the calculation of the effects of glazing and shading options such as slatted blinds. It discusses the selection and development of algorithms, the testing of component sub-models against detailed models, and provides comparisons against theoretical and measured benchmarks. The modified model is found capable of predicting total solar transmission of glazing with mid-pane shading combinations, expressed as a G-value, to ±0.04.

This paper investigates the robustness of a Genetic Algorithm (GA) search method in solving an unconstrained building optimization problem, when the number of building simulations used by the optimization is restricted. GA search methods can be classified as being probabilistic populations based optimizers. The probabilistic nature of the search suggests that GA’s may lack robustness in finding solutions.

This paper explores means for more effectively exploiting daylight in buildings through extending periods of illumination free of glare problems. The key concept is to quantify and examine the impact of selected design parameters, e.g. light shelves, on the admission of daylight within buildings. The University of Calgary’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) office building is used as a base model, whereas innovative techniques are developed and presented in this study.

The following paper is focused on the effects of the combined water vapour transport caused by diffusion and convection.