English

The optimal building management models require predicting the behaviour of building systems. To achieve this goal, we propose to make available on the web remote computing services for the composition, simulation and optimization of equipments. A paradigm shift is necessary in order to fulfil this goal. We show in this study that models can be embedded in software components and made available on the web without any special programming skills.

The aim of this study is to establish the suitability of using existing net zero energy building (Net ZEB) solution sets to redesign Net ZEBs being moved into different climates. A case study was performed using the ENERPOS Building, located in Saint-Pierre, Reunion Island (cooling dominated climate), and moved to Christchurch, New Zealand (mixed heating and cooling climate).

Computational building performance simulation can be employed to develop various future solutions. The development of Virtual Natural Lighting Solutions (VNLS), which are systems that artificially provide natural lighting and view comparable to those of real windows and skylights, is steered by modelling them as arrays of small light sources resembling a simplified view of a blue sky and green ground. The lighting simulation tool Radiance is employed to predict the space availability, uniformity, ground light contribution on the ceiling, and probability of discomfort glare.

A type of a radiant system that uses the building concrete structure as energy storage, Thermally Activated Building System, is an energy efficient system, which utilizes the time-delay effect. Although the time-delay effect of the Thermally Activated Building System may be beneficial for the use of energy storage, it may also cause difficulties while controlling the system. When the system is not controlled properly, overheating and overcooling statement in the room and condensation on the surface may occur.

We propose a methodology for determining internal heat gains in workspace for peak cooling/heating load calculations. First, we collected measurement data of the lighting and plug loads in workspaces in Japan and analyzed these data. The investigation results show that internal heat gains remain relatively flat during work hours for each space, but their magnitudes vary considerably from space to space. Time-averaged heat gains during work hours conform to a lognormal distribution if those spaces are approximately the same size in floor area.

In September 2012 the contest Solar Decathlon was held in Madrid, for the second time. One Brazilian team with its own project called the “Ekó House” was there, too. The “Ekó House” project was in development for the weather conditions in Madrid during September. Considering that the Brazilian’s territory is divided in a 8 bioclimatic territory, What can we learn from the Solar Decathlon experience in order to apply it to the Brazilian case?  The objective of this paper is to modify the “Ekó House” project for achieving the best energetic behaviour in Brazil.

A bottom up engineering modelling approach has been used to investigate the pathways to 2050 low carbon residential building stock. The impact of housing retrofit, renewable technologies, occupant behaviour, and grid decarbonisation is measured at a local authority scale. The results of this exercise were visualised using a client web application, or ‘demonstrator,’ which was developed to allow stakeholders to engage with the modelling process.