Advanced Topics for Energy Simulation and Indoor Environment Quality in Buildings

Recommended Prerequisites

Previous knowledge about building physics: thermal and acoustic behaviour.

Teaching Methods

In teaching the course, it is anticipated the presentation of theoretical concepts and advanced knowledge on the topics defined in the syllabus. Giveaway relevance to the study of practical cases and solving exercises.

Learning Outcomes

The main goal of this unit is to provide the students with skills in the area of energy simulation and indoor environment quality in buildings.

The students should:

1) have an understanding of the importance of energy consumption in buildings, the consumption share within them and identify the most relevant parameters;

2) know the main calculation methods;

3) learn to use an advanced dynamic simulation tool of buildings;

4) identify the main requirements and parameters with influence in comfort (thermal, visual and acoustic) and in indoor air quality, as well as to use models for prediction and evaluation.

5) have an integrated holistic view of the relationship between energy consumption and the maintenance of comfort conditions inside buildings;

6) acquire the necessary skills to carry out scientific research within the area of energy simulation and indoor comfort in buildings.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

I - ENERGY SIMULATION IN BUILDINGS

1. Introduction and background

2. Models for energy simulation in buildings

3. Computational tools for energy simulations

4. Advanced dynamic simulation

a) Implementation of a model using DesignBuilder/EnergyPlus software

b) Make use of the previous model to perform a scientific research and a parametric study

 

II - INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

1. Thermal comfort

2. Indoor air quality and ventilation

3. Lighting and visual comfort

4. Vibrations and acoustic comfort

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Synthesis work: 50.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

C. Gallo, M. Sala & A.M.M. Sayigh Editors, “Architecture: Comfort and Energy”, Pergamon, 1998.

DesignBuilder v3.0 manual. DesignBuilder EnergyPlus Simulation Documentation, 2011.

ISO 52016:2017. "Energy needs for heating and cooling, internal temperatures and sensible and latent heat loads". ISO, 2017.

J.A. Clarke, “Energy Simulation in Building Design”, Butterworth Heinemann (2nd Edition), 2001.

Jennifer O’Connor et al., “Tips for daylighting with windows: The integrated approach”, LBNL-39945, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA, 2008.

P. Santos, L. Simões da Silva & V. Ungureanu, “Energy Efficiency of Light-weight Steel-framed Buildings”. ECCS-TC14, N.129, 2012.

Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, "Qualidade do Ar em Espaços Interiores - um Guia Técnico", 2009.

Francesca Alfano (ed.), "INDOOR ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN SCHOOLS - PART 1- PRINCIPLES", REHVA, 2010.