English

This paper describes CFD modelling of Double Skin Façades (DSF) with venetian blinds inside the façade cavity. The 2-D modelling work investigates the coupled convective, conductive and radiative heat transfer through the DSF system. The angles of the venetian blind can be adjusted and a series of angles (0, 30, 45, 60 and 80 degrees) has been modelled. The modelling results are compared with the measurements from a section of façade tested within a solar simulator and with predictions from a component based nodal model. Agreement between the three methods is generally good.

This paper presents the development and implementation of an Energy-based Decision Support System (EDSS) that will enhance the selection process of replacement building features. EDSS includes dynamic databases that utilize data/web mining concepts, Knowledge Base System (KBS) and a thermal simulation engine. The system allows decisions to be made based on a long-term vision incorporating energy cost savings rather than immediate needs. A stand-alone application was implemented based on EDSS.

The transition of the urban building stock and infrastructure to sustainable forms is a key challenge in modern planning. The purpose of this paper is to propose a simulation model for energy use in the Japanese commercial sector. This model enables a user to consider a variety of energy-management concepts and discuss how urban building stock and infrastructure can be transformed over the coming decades. The model is characterized by having a bottom-up structure, which contributes to improving the reliability of the simulation results.

A cooling system spraying micro water droplets could prove useful in mitigating temperature increases in urban areas by using heat from water evaporation, a process that consumes only small amounts of water and energy. If water mist is sprayed in a semi-outdoor area, for example under a canopy, it could potentially improve conditions on hot days. However, there is little reference data concerning the design or control of such systems.

This paper reports the final results of a research project, which aims to achieve better control modeling in building performance simulation by integrating distributed computer programs. The paper focus on developing Web-services based SOAP/XML to run-time couple control and building performance simulation. Data exchange via Webservices allows system components to be looselycoupled, rather than combined into an integrated building control systems.

This study has dealt with the energy and CO2 management at the new Kyushu University campus. The new campus named Ito Campus is located west of Fukuoka city, JAPAN, and opened on October 1st, 2005. In this paper, we estimated the CO2 emissions of new buildings at the Ito Campus by using simulated data and construction data, as the first step to develop an energy and environmental management system. In the evaluation, we compared the CO2 emission at the Ito Campus with the existing buildings at the old Hakozaki Campus.

In support of the movement towards the integration of modelling in the design process, a unified simulation-based compliance methodology for the energy performance of buildings was introduced in the UK Building and Approved Inspectors (Amendment) Regulations 2006 (England and Wales). As part of a larger project with the overall aim of presenting an analytical study of the process of introducing of this legislative approach to the UK construction industry, the paper reports on the status of the establishment of a simulation capability to support its use.

In Brazil, the energy crisis and the scarcity of financial resources to build new plants have increased the interest in saving energy. Buildings are responsible for using a vast amount of energy. To implement actions to save energy in old buildings, it is necessary to measure its energy efficiency. It is difficult to analyze the consumption of energy because of a great amount of variables. Even if there are some fixed variables, the external environment affects strongly the energy use.

The software bSol addresses to the professionals (engineers and architects) eager to optimize the parameters of a building project according to the local environment.

FACES is a simulation tool for selecting an appropriate heat source system in the early building design stage. Heat source systems have to be studied at an early design stage, because they are closely related to the floor plan. However, in an early design stage, most  of the problems are unsolved, so that there is insufficient data for system simulations. In order to enable detailed and accurate studies for various kinds of buildings and heat source systems,  FACES utilizes full-scale programs for heat load calculation and system simulations.