Assessing the Energy and Indoor Air Quality Performance for a Three-Story Building Using an Integrated Model, Part One: The Need for Integration

Abstract

In building applications, there is a dynamic interaction/coupling between the energy performance and the indoor air quality (IAQ) performance. Previously, the performance of energy consumption (EC) and IAQ has been evaluated independently. In this study, an energy performance model (EnergyPlus) and IAQ performance model (CONTAM: contaminant transport analysis) were simultaneously coupled as a new integrated simulation model in which the control variables were exchanged between the two models. Two scenarios were provided in this study for a three-story house. The first scenario addressed the effect of airtightness only. The second scenario, however, addressed the airtightness with an exhaust fan with an upgraded filter. In order to better analyze the accuracy of the simulations, the performance of the energy and IAQ were simulated independently using the EnergyPlus model and CONTAM model. Thereafter, the performance of the energy and IAQ were simulated using the present integrated simulation model. All simulations were conducted for the climatic conditions of Montreal and Miami. The results of the integrated simulation model showed that the exchange of control variables between both EnergyPlus and CONTAM produced accurate results for the performance of both energy and IAQ. Finally, the necessity of using the present integrated simulation model is discussed.

TAIL, a new scheme for rating indoor environmental quality in offices and hotels undergoing deep energy renovation (EU ALDREN project)

“…To support the measurement of the TAIL components, sensors that target the specific parameters that define indoor environmental quality can be pre-installed, reducing subsequent measurement costs. Modelling and simulation tools can be further developed to support the prediction of the TAIL rating at the design stage, either in full or partially, making it possible to choose the best renovation strategy, as suggested by Heibati et al [21]. Regular and repeatable ratings (every 2-4 years) would be necessary to identify any irregularities in building performance and any need for changes to maintain the original IEQ quality levels.…”

Assessing the Energy, Indoor Air Quality, and Moisture Performance for a Three-Story Building Using an Integrated Model, Part Three: Development of Integrated Model and Applications

“…This integrated model has been developed in three phases. In the first phase, the coupling of EnergyPlus with CONTAM is provided in our previous publication [34]. In the second phase, the possibility of combining WUFI with the CONTAM model has been evaluated [18].…”

BIM and Data-Driven Predictive Analysis of Optimum Thermal Comfort for Indoor Environment

“…Finally, the improved long-term and short-term memory (LSTM) machine learning model is used to predict the air quality of rooms. In addition, Malkawi et al [ 22 ] and Heibati et al [ 23 ] proposed integrated simulation models where the control variables could be exchanged between them to assess the performance of energy consumption and indoor air quality.…”