An optimal controller for auxiliary heating of passive solar buildings and commercial buildings with high internal gains is tested in simulation. Some of the most restrictive simplifications that were used in previous studies of that controller (Kummert et al., 2001) are lifted: the controller is applied to a multizone building, and a detailed model is used for the HVAC system. The model-based control algorithm is not modified.

In this paper, four different system configurations: 

Tall buildings pose unique challenges for simulation software and modelers. Environmental factors such as air temperature and wind speed change with altitude. The urban environment imposes additional environmental factors because of shading and reflections from surrounding buildings. The large scale of tall buildings can result in excessive input data and prohibitive run times. EnergyPlus was used to compare the energy impacts of several environmental factors that vary with altitude.

CEN TC247 has prepared draft standards for main types of room controllers. These standards include a performance testing procedure that was designed to facilitate the introduction on the market of electronic controllers.

A simplified optimization process (SOP) for determining set points is proposed and evaluated using the monitoring data and model of an existing VAV system. Controller set points, such as supply air temperature, supply duct static pressure, and chilled water supply temperature, are determined by this proposed SOP in order to minimize energy use while respecting thermal comfort. Zone air temperatures are also considered in order to obtain further energy savings.

The models for photovoltaic (PV) systems currently in ESP-r prove very useful in estimating the electrical and thermal impact of building-integrated photovoltaics. However, while they represent well the impact of photovoltaics on the building’s thermal energy balance, they may lack in accuracy in the prediction of the system’s energy production.

The introduction of EU directives 2002/91/EC and 2003/87/EC both prompt a reduction in energy consumption from European buildings. Buildings account for 50% of European energy use. Traditional prescriptive based approaches to building energy performance have not yielded desired energy savings. In addition, energy consumption is seldom compared with design intent. A whole building life cycle performance based approach is ultimately required.This paper introduces and demonstrates Environmental Effectiveness Ratios.

This paper complements a previous publication in the Building Simulation Conference series by identifying where perceptualization techniques can improve data presentation and assist with the interpretation of the underlying performance message. The paper describes hypotheses that were tested in practice via a performance display prototype. Intended future work is summarised.

This paper proposes a method for creating an extreme seven-day weather data set for HVAC design purposes and examines its suitability. The method involves reviewing data from 20 years of weather observations and selecting a seven-day period during which the weather conditions were extreme. The dry-bulb temperature, the humidity ratio, the solar radiation and other weather elements were obtained for one-hour intervals during the selected period as the design weather conditions.

The hygrothermal environment of the Japanese traditional house constructed by wet process with clay wall and the recent house constructed with industrial building materials are estimated through the interrelated simulation of heat and moisture transfer and airflow using THERB. Thermal theories on conduction, convection, radiation and ventilation of THERB are outlined, particularly algorithm on combined heat and moiture transfer based on thermodynamics.