Use of simulation in the design of the climate control system for a new concert hall and multi purpose spaces in a convent in Coimbra - Portugal

This paper presents the results of the application of building thermal simulation in the design of anew concert hall and refurbishment of interior spaces in the So Francisco Convent in Coimbra, Portugal. The proposed design uses displacement ventilation in all spaces, mechanically driven in the auditorium and hybrid in the convent rooms. A displacement ventilation model, recently implemented in EnergyPlus, is used to predict energy consumption and thermal comfort. Simulation proved essential in identifying the best solutions for the building envelope refurbishment process (thermal insulation, glazing and ventilation openings) and defining in the most adequate control strategies (use of night cooling, optimization of hybrid system performance).