English

To predict the mould growth risk during the design stage, a mould prediction model can be used. Several models are found in literature (e.g. temperature ratio, isopleth systems, biohygrothermal model, ESP-r mould prediction model, empirical VTT-model). Each of these models includes however different assumptions. Consequently, a different conclusion may be drawn depending on the used prediction model. In the current paper, a comparison between the different mould prediction models is made.

In this paper, heating energy saving strategies for winter are proposed for office buildings with a multi-story double skin façade. Based on a model that was validated with measured data, two alternative operation strategies were analyzed. A model that introduces heated air in the cavity to the indoors by openable windows control(Case 2) and a model that combines it with HVAC by using a cavity as a preheating space(Case 3) were compared with the conventional model(Case 1).

The aim of the present work is to improve night venti-lation control strategies, specially for the mid-season periods where an unadapted control scheme can re-sult in undesirable heat loads. We present a method based on developing an adaptive algorithm suitable for different types of buildings having different thermal masses. The algorithm, mainly based on the history of outside and inside temperatures, is characterized by a set of parameters that we attempt to identify: a coef-ficient related to building time constant and a couple of fixed set-point temperatures.

Providing thermal interior comfort in buildings in temperate climate zones is an energy-demanding task that can be optimized through refurbishment. We compare four refurbishment strategies to convert an existing residential building with high primary energy demand into a low-exergy building. The strategies differ in the balance of passive and active refurbishment measures, respectively in the balance of improving the building envelope and installing low-exergy building systems.

Multi-objective optimization algorithms are used in the building design process to find optimal solutions for design problems. Typically, these algorithms provide the decision maker with a Pareto front containing trade-off solutions. Since these solutions are equally good, the decision maker needs a method to select the most appropriate solution. In this paper, we propose a selection method that ranks the Pareto solutions according to their performance robustness. This allows the decision maker to select the most robust design solution.

Research experts participating in the International Energy Agency (IEA) Task 40 project on Net Zero Energy Buildings (Net ZEB) were asked to classify their countries climate. Six of the participating countries researchers categorised the residential and non-residential buildings, placed in the same location, into different climate zones. This indicated that a climate zoning for buildings that is based purely on the external climate conditions is not sufficient.

This paper presents a case study of the role that Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) played in the design of modifications to the existing Hamer Hall auditorium Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. The use of CFD allowed the designer to benchmark the potential performance of proposed modifications against the existing installation. Further, it allowed them to anticipate areas where improvements may not be satisfactory, allowing them to explore available options and communicate this information to the end user.

The Test Reference Year (TRY) weather file was developed in 1993; in 2009 the Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) became the new standard weather file to use in energy based simulations. The TRY weather file has been used in the development of New Zealand’s Building Codes and Standards that are still current today. This paper describes the differences between the two weather files and how they influence the results of the energy consumption and thermal performance calculated through simulation. This comparison has been made with reference to both residential and commercial buildings. 

Two types of Ground Heat Exchanger (GHX) zonal models are suggested for a new analysis method that can reduce analysis time and reflecting heat transfer mechanisms occurring on the GHX section; using a circular pattern (Circular) and replacing the circle with a square shape (Square). The GHX zonal model is suggested to analyze a 2-dimensional unsteady-state thermal performance involving heat interference between pipes in a borehole.

This research investigates glare control strategies in reference to operational energy consumption and productivity for sustainable upgrades of existing buildings in two very different climate zones. This way the climate sensitivity of glare prevention solutions including the impact on operational energy consumption can be shown. Operating control strategies for various internal blind configurations for a tight renovation budget are tested for three different desk positions and compared with the impact of the Australian “blinds-down approach”.