IBPSA2013

In this paper, the effect of the windows shading systems both on visual and thermal comfort and on the total building energy needs (for heating, cooling and artificial lighting) has been analyzed. An open-space office module with different windows characteristics has been simulated with EnergyPlus 7.2, controlling the internal conditions with appropriate comfort setpoints. Different window distributions (on a single façade or on opposite façades), and two orientations have been analysed, varying the glazed area and the glazing type.

Designing Net Zero Energy Buildings (Net ZEB) requires extensive work to identify a suitable combination of energy efficiency measures and energy generation technologies that will enable a building to satisfy its annual energy needs. Establishing design guidelines that can be followed to reach net zero energy consumption could ease the design of new Net ZEB. Would a Net ZEB still be net zero when moved to another climate? If not, could this building be modified to be net zero again by following design guidelines?

Completed in early 2012, the showcase Tyree Energy Technologies Building (TETB) is the new home for several energy research groups at the University of New South Wales. This landmark, 6 Green Star Environmentally Sustainable Design, is a state of the art of innovative energy technologies and leading architectural design. This paper investigates the performance of the building itself and of its key systems during the first year of operation, while giving an analysis of the control system.

In this paper, a framework that couples energy modeling with building information models (BIM), building automation systems and occupancy data is developed using a distributed computing environment based on the principles defined in the High-Level Architecture (HLA) proposed by the US Department of Defense (DOD). The premise is that building stakeholders typically overlook opportunities to influence occupancy behavior because it is hard to measure its impact on energy use.

The presented work is devoted to the analysis of thermal comfort indexes in highly glazed buildings under different weather conditions. All cases considered here differ in thermo-optical properties (such as thermal resistance, transmission), geometry, construction and orientation. Building performance simulation models (thermal and air flow) were defined using simulation software ESP-r. According to the workflow, proposed by authors, the optimal solution for glazing façade system was found for each of four main directions: N, E, S and W.

OpenStudio development efforts have focused on providing application programming interfaces (APIs) that enable users to extend OpenStudio without compiling the open source libraries. This paper discusses the basic purposes and functionalities of the core libraries that have been wrapped with APIs, including the building model, results processing, advanced analysis, uncertainty quantification, and data interoperability through translators.  Several building energy modeling applications have been produced using OpenStudio’s API and software development kits, including the U.S.

Our research group has been working on modeling of occupant behavior relating to window and air conditioner usage for energy simulation of residential buildings. In order to study the determining factor of occupant behavior in more detail, a survey was carried out in 45 residential houses in the summer of 2012. The state of windows (open-closed) and air conditioners (on-off), as well as environmental data, was recorded automatically. Additionally, the room occupation of all family members was investigated by distributing recording papers.