Quantifying energy-saving measures in office buildings by simulation in 2D cross sections

Abstract

A methodology is presented to analyse the thermal behaviour of buildings with the goal to quantify energy saving measures. The solid structure of the building is modelled with finite elements to fully account for its ability to store energy and to accurately predict heat loss through thermal bridges. Air flow in the rooms is approximated by a lumped element model with three dynamical nodes per room. The dynamic model also contains the control algorithm for the HVAC system and predicts the net primary energy consumption for heating and cooling of the building for any time period. The new simulation scheme has the advantage to avoid U-values and thermal bridge coefficients and instead use well-known physical material parameters. It has the potential to use 2D and 3D geometries with appropriate automatic processing from BIM models. Simulations are validated by comparison to IDA ICE and temperature measurement. This work aims to discuss novel approaches to disseminating building simulation more widely.