Combining CAD Modeling and Simulation of Energy Performance Data for the Retrofit of Public Buildings

Abstract

The retrofit of the most energy-intensive buildings represents an opportunity to improve their energy efficiency or to reduce their energy demand. This paper proposes combining computer-aided design (CAD) modeling and the use of energy efficiency software to build a methodology for calculating, visualizing and analyzing building parameters in order to provide retrofit scenarios. Five retrofit scenarios were implemented using the energy software, including the initial operating cost, capital cost and payback period to be evaluated. At the same time, a three-dimensional CAD model was created to perform daylighting and shading simulations to visualize and design the role of building orientation under actual use conditions. These retrofit scenarios were evaluated individually and then combined to examine their performance in terms of cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. The simulation results show the importance of the building’s orientation, as this directly affects the thermal properties of the walls and openings, as well as the daylighting areas. The simulation results were also used to define the parameters that affect the interoperability of the retrofit solutions. Finally, in addition to the significant reduction in calculation time, the coupling of the CAD software with the energy efficiency software allowed access to information that was not available at the outset.

Scenarios of Building Information Modelling-Based Design Education in Architecture Schools

“…Architectural design is one of the disciplines that has been positively influenced by computer technologies, laying the foundations for what is known as computer-aided architectural design (CAAD) [1]. Digital tools are no longer just representation tools, but have become essential elements of the design process [2], such as the use of CAD models with simulation programs for building energy performance [3]. The architectural design process has gradually become digital, particularly with the adoption of Younis and Al-Kazzaz building information modeling (BIM) as a design approach [4].…”