English

This paper describes a prototype of a web-based 3D design and energy modeling platform called “Atmospheres”. A WebGL based 3D geometry modeling and data visualization interface that runs in any modern web-browser is coupled with an event-driven, asynchronous server that runs transient, 3D energy simulations.

Recent developments in material science offer the potential for energy harvesting electrochromic (EH-ECW) windows. This technology offers a glazing system that will enable switching of visible light transmission (Tvis) and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) to admit heat and light relative to interior comfort requirements as well as allowing for the conversion of unwanted solar radiation through windows into electric current while in a darkened state.

This paper reports on a research that aims at identifying acceptable window configurations that suit the requirements of hospital Intensive Care Units located in the desert. It aims at achieving daylight adequacy and visual comfort in a typical assumed ICU space, in Cairo, Egypt. Annual simulations were conducted using Diva-for-Rhino, a plug-in for Rhinoceros modeling software that was used to interface Radiance and Daysim. Six window-to-wall ratios were investigated; in addition the effect of adding shading and daylighting systems was examined.

This paper demonstrates a reproducible methodology for calibrating detailed energy models using hourly measured data that has been applied to evaluation of a large naturally ventilated university building. The aim of the project is to develop a rigorous calibra-tion method and use it to investigate Energy Con-servation Measures (ECM) and retrofit renewable en-ergy technologies to achieve carbon emissions reduc-tion.

Simulating heat conduction in massive walls with commercial software is reported to cause numerical instability or reduced accuracy. As contribution to the discussion, we have simulated one-dimensional heat conduction in massive walls and their dynamic thermal responses to a step, a sinusoid and time se-ries in TRNSYS, EnergyPlus, Delphin and Matlab. As reference, we have used EN ISO 13786:2007 and a self-written Matlab response factor method imple-mentation.