English

This paper describes how to use the recently implemented Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) for co-simulation import interface in EnergyPlus to link EnergyPlus with simulation tools packaged as FMUs. The interface complies with the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) for co-simulation standard version 1.0, which is an open standard designed to enable links between different simulation tools that are packaged as FMUs. This article starts with an introduction of the FMI and FMU concepts. We then discuss the implementation of the FMU import interface in EnergyPlus.

Informed decision-making is the basis for the design of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs). This paper investigates the use of building performance simulation tools as a method of informing the design decision of NZEBs. The aim of this study was to develop a design decision making tool, ZEBO, for zero energy residential buildings in hot climates and to evaluate the effect of a simulation-based decision aid, on informed decision-making using sensitivity analysis.

This study reports the results of a recent field survey for residential apartment buildings in Egypt. The aim of the survey is to create representative building energy models. Two building performance simulation models are created reflecting the average energy consumption characteristics of air-conditioned residential apartments in Alexandria, Cairo and Asyut.

This paper summarizes a study that was undertaken to reveal potential challenges and opportunities for integrating optimisation tools in Net/Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) Design. The paper reviews current trends in simulation-based Building Performance Optimisation (BPO) and outlines major criteria for optimisation tools selection and evaluation. This is based on analyzing users’ needs for tools capabilities and requirement specifications. The review is carried out by means of interviews with 28 optimisation experts.

Much disparity exists on the numerical efficiency and accuracy of different potentials for moisture transfer in building materials, with various implicit claims but no actual corroboration. This paper aims at providing such evidence by comparing the numerical efficiency and accuracy of capillary pressure, relative humidity and -log(-capillary pressure) for a suite of benchmark simulations.  The study shows that capillary pressure and relative humidity outperform -log(-capillary pres-sure), as the latter is plagued by its highly non-linear moisture capacity near saturation.

New links between parametric design software, energy simulation tools, and optimization algorithms allow for the customization of individual building components or whole building form in order to reduce anticipated energy use. These optimization methods are of particular interest in studying design problems where an energy conserving measure may act beneficially in one season but detrimentally in another if not properly sized, such as a static shading device.

Over the recent years more effort has been given to air tightness of public buildings such as hospitals. The demand for well insulated buildings increases the importance for low infiltration air rates and thus the air tightness becomes more important. Besides, air infiltration is a quantitative way to put into requirements for the tenders to fulfill.  In this work we describe field measurement of air-tightness on site in early stage of production, as well as field measurement of a whole floor in a hospital building.

Infrared thermography is an interesting technique that is often used for qualitative assessment of the building envelope. The method allows to detect construction deficiencies e.g. thermal bridges, moisture problems, incomplete blown-in retrofit insulation of cavity walls, wind washing in insulation layers etc. in a very fast way. Another application is the use of infrared thermography in combination with pressurization tests  in order to detect air leakages through the building envelope.