An Integrated HBIM Simulation Approach for Energy Retrofit of Historical Buildings Implemented in a Case Study of a Medieval Fortress in Italy

Abstract

The Italian building stock consists of buildings mainly constructed until the mid-20th century using pre-industrial construction techniques. These buildings require energy refurbishment that takes into account the preservation of their architectural heritage. In this view, this work studies an innovative integrated modelling and simulation framework consisting of the implementation of Historical Building Information Modeling (HBIM) for the energy retrofit of historical buildings with renewable geothermal HVAC system. To this aim, the field case study is part of a medieval complex in Central Italy (Perugia), as representative ancient rural offshore architecture in the European countryside. The system involves of a ground source heat pump, a water tank for thermal-energy storage connected to a low-temperature radiant system, and an air-handling unit. The building heating energy performance, typically influenced by thermal inertia in historical buildings, when coupled to the novel HVAC system, is comparatively assessed against a traditional scenario implementing a natural-gas boiler, and made inter-operative within the HBIM ad hoc platform. Results show that the innovative renewable energy system provides relevant benefits while preserving minor visual and architectural impact within the historical complex, and also in terms of both energy saving, CO2 emissions offset, and operation costs compared to the traditional existing system. The integrated HBIM approach may effectively drive the path toward regeneration and re-functioning of heritage in Europe.

Up-To-Date Challenges for the Conservation, Rehabilitation and Energy Retrofitting of Higher Education Cultural Heritage Buildings

“…HBIM models of the building and its surroundings are built after the automatic data collection (laser scanning) of the geometry and using parametric objects. In the case of HBs, BIM models are often complemented with the use of the Revit platform [37], as in the following Italian studies [38,39].…”

“…Data from monitoring campaigns and validated simulation models, as proposed in ref. [38], can be used to carry out a multidimensional analysis considering the building's function, construction pathologies, energy performance and energy consumption patterns, thermal comfort, IEQ analysis, hygrothermal performance of the historic construction elements, etc. Indeed, with the energy consumption data and the validated energy model, a parametric study can be carried out to test different actions and measures to reduce the energy consumption, identify passive design solutions and compare alternative energy systems combined with passive actions (e.g., ventilation strategies, indoor thermal mass, etc.…”

Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) in Historical Buildings: Opportunities and Constraints

“…With a view to an integrated process between HB retrofitting and solar energy solutions like BIPV, Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) can offer solutions that allow framing information flows and critical factors. The application of BIM design process to existing buildings it will become mandatory in the coming years for all types of design especially in regards to maintenance and large refurbishments [40,64,65], but these applications do not contemplate the historical and cultural legacy of the buildings and sites [66].…”

“…The typical structuring modalities of the BIM-based building design process [38][39][40] and the correlations with BIPV solutions on historical buildings will be briefly analyzed.…”

A Procedure for Automating Energy Analyses in the BIM Context Exploiting Artificial Neural Networks and Transfer Learning Technique

“…The researcher found through results around 15% improvement in the energy consumption due to change design options such as window-to-wall ratio, disregarding the location. Piselli et al [21] analyzed the impact of energy plant replacement for the retrofit of existing buildings. Ground source heat pump system and existing gas boiler were compared and results showed up to 73% heating energy need reduction and 69% CO 2 emission savings while maintaining the same operation and comfort conditions for the occupants.…”