Energy Analysis at a Near Zero Energy Building. A Case-Study in Spain

Abstract

This paper develops an energy analysis for an existing near Zero Energy (nZEB) and Zero Carbon Emissions building called LUCIA, located at the university campus in Valladolid (Spain). It is designed to supply electricity, cooling and heating needs through solar energy (Photovoltaic Systems, PV), biomass and an Earth-Air Heat Exchanger (EAHE), besides a Combined Heat Power (CHP). It is currently among the top three buildings with the highest LEED certification in the World. The building model is simulated with DesignBuilder version 5. The results of the energy analysis illustrate the heating, cooling and lighting consumptions expected, besides other demands and energy uses. From this data, we carried out an energy balance of the nZEB, which will help to plan preventive actions when compared to the actual energy consumptions, improving the management and control of both the building and its systems. The primary energy indicator obtained is 67 kWh/m 2 a year, and 121 kWh/m 2 a year for renewable energy generation, with respect to 55 kWh/m 2 and 45 kWh/m 2 set as reference in Europe. The Renewable Energy Ratio (RER) is 0.66. These indicators become a useful tool for the energy analysis of the nZEB according to the requirements in the European regulations and for its comparison with further nZEB.

A Parametric Study and Performance Evaluation of Energy Retrofit Solutions for Buildings Located in the Hot-Humid Climate of Paraguay—Sensitivity Analysis

“…It is important to highlight that the simulations tools employed in this research are highly recommended by several international and renowned standards, which have been greatly used in several scientific investigations [41][42][43][44][45][46]. Accordingly, the simulation tools accuracy supports the results reliability of the energy efficiency of the building in its original state, without thermal insulation materials, and the results of the energy efficient version, demonstrating thus the effectiveness of the strategies implemented for the climate under analysis.…”

Monitoring Data Study of the Performance of Renewable Energy Systems in a Near Zero Energy Building in Spain: A Case Study

“…According to the latest Köppen-Geiger classification, the typical climate of the location is Csb, hence a temperate climate with dry, warm summers [25]. Regarding some of the climate parameters [6], radiation available is relevant during most of the year. Despite being considered as a "temperate" climate at a World scale, outdoor temperatures during winter are low enough to make heat recovery quite interesting.…”

“…Finally, this building provides new water saving systems through the reuse of rainwater, from the parking and the roof, and gray water with separation networks in the laboratories, which allow treatment prior to discharge; taps with integrated electronic technology, with the capacity to supply a reduced and optimal flow. A green roof with local vegetation, which does not need additional irrigation, helps to counteract the urban-heat-island effect [6,28].The renewable energy technologies designed, implemented and monitored in the LUCIA building are described next.…”

“…The design RER of the LUCIA building is 0.66 [6]. It was planned to reduce the use of non-renewable resources by 31%, compared to the primary energy of a standard building, and the building's impact on climate change by more than 90%.…”

“…One set of PV modules are installed on the southeast façade, integrated as a ventilated facade system (Figure 2a), and three further systems in the skylights (Figure 2b). The building under study is considered one of the leading nZEBs in the world, qualified with the second highest Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design LEED score in the world [27], among other certifications [6,28]. Its bioclimatic design, increased insulation, passive ventilation and other strategies allow a reduction in building thermal energy requirements by more than 50%.…”