English

Geothermal heat pump systems have a large potential for energy savings and associated greenhouse gas emissions. However, inappropriate control may counteract these saving potentials. This study evaluates the influence of different control parameters on the system performance of a ground coupled heat pump system in a residential building. To this end a dynamic simulation model is built in TRNSYS, coupled to Matlab in order to implement the controller.

2 Victoria Avenue is the first building in WA to achieve a 6 Star Green Star rating and a 5 Star NABERS Energy rating. Over the first 12 months of operation, it was found that the predicted performance of the building was within 3% of the measured overall building usage. Furthermore, it showed the efficacy of the ‘what-if scenarios’ in identifying and mitigating risk to building performance.

This application paper outlines some innovative building simulation methodologies used to predict thermal performance of complex energy efficient systems using commercially available softwares. Industry case studies are presented to demonstrate how simulation can influence the design process with requirements varying from zero carbon emissions to optimum thermal comfort. Simplifications used to reduce computational time and handle software limitations are assessed in regards to model accuracy and the ability to influence the design decision process.

This paper describes the development of a modelling approach which combines the energy use in industrial production, with the energy flows relating to the building. Through case studies, the effects of energy conservation measures in production on the overall thermal energy balance of a factory production area are explored. The paper identifies three types of manufacturing processes; thermal ‘air’ process (oven), thermal ‘fluid’ process (vat) and electrical processes (motor).

Passive Downdraft HVAC systems are natural ventilation systems that add heating and cooling to the passive airstream to control zone temperatures and enhance the flow of air by affecting buoyancy forces.  This paper reviews different analysis approaches used to study the performance of this HVAC approach.

Based on the authors’ previous works, this paper describes a new methodology that uses a bottom-up approach for accurately calculating the time series utility loads (e.g., energy, power, city water, hot water, etc.) for multi-dwelling systems, including residential buildings, residential block areas, and even the entire city. This calculation considers the behavioral variations of the inhabitants of the dwellings.

A holistic strategy to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the residential housing sector will involve the design and delivery of new houses with low or zero emissions. This paper presents a new tool for the design of individual low-emission and zero-emission houses in Australia. Based on the engine of CSIRO's AccuRate house energy efficiency rating software but with new modules and capabilities, the AusZEH Design tool combines a whole house energy consumption tool with a supply-demand matching optimisation model.

The human dimension of building performance simulation can be approached from different vantage points. This contribution addresses the following three. First, building simulation tools and environments need to exhibit a high degree of usability. They are expected to provide effective support  for  generating  building  models  and processing simulation results. Second, the representation of people's presence and actions in building  simulation  models  requires  a  sound empirical basis. It must be properly gauged toward applicable objectives of the modeling activity.

Current interest in building energy efficiency is driving an increase in demand for building energy modelling (BEM) services. Yet practitioners are challenged to deliver BEM services effectively and consistently. Contributing to this is an expansive knowledge requirement, the lack of standardized methods and the absence of defined processes. This paper introduces the concept of a BEM methods and processes (M&P) framework.