Systematic Simplified Simulation Methodology for Deep Energy Retrofitting Towards Nze Targets Using Life Cycle Energy Assessment

Abstract

The reduction of energy consumption in the residential sector presents substantial potential through the implementation of energy efficiency improvement measures. Current trends involve the use of simulation tools which obtain the buildings’ energy performance to support the development of possible solutions to help reduce energy consumption. However, simulation tools demand considerable amounts of data regarding the buildings’ geometry, construction, and frequency of use. Additionally, the measured values tend to be different from the estimated values obtained with the use of energy simulation programs, an issue known as the ‘performance gap’. The proposed methodology provides a solution for both of the aforementioned problems, since the amount of data needed is considerably reduced and the results are calibrated using measured values. This new approach allows to find an optimal retrofitting project by life cycle energy assessment, in terms of cost and energy savings, for individual buildings as well as several blocks of buildings. Furthermore, the potential for implementation of the methodology is proven by obtaining a comprehensive energy rehabilitation plan for a residential building. The developed methodology provides highly accurate estimates of energy savings, directly linked to the buildings’ real energy needs, reducing the difference between the consumption measured and the predictions.

Feasibility of Using Energy Performance Contracting for the Retrofit of Apartment Buildings in Slovakia

“…These factors prevent reliable estimations of the energy-saving potential and profitability of retrofitting. For these reasons, part of these investigations aims to develop simplified procedures to reliably estimate savings and reduce the uncertainty of the calculations (Faggianelli et al, 2017;Giretti et al, 2018;Lee et al, 2018;Ramos et al, 2019). An alternative approach is to generate many predefined combinations of energy efficiency measures in various climates that can be used to select suitable retrofit scenarios (Gustafsson et al, 2017;Dipasquale et al, 2019).…”

Analysis of the Impact of Different Variables on the Energy Demand in Office Buildings

“…Other authors like Sánchez-Ramos et al [27] used the HULC tool as a first step of a methodology to develop simplified models of energy behaviour of buildings calibrated by way of data originating from real data concerning air pressure, thermal transition values (U-value) and electricity consumption bills.…”

“…In all the above mentioned studies, the case studies have focussed on single-family housing of diverse types, and no simulation was carried out for other types of buildings where energy demand might be greater, like hospitals, commercial buildings or administrative offices, both in the public or private sector [18][19][20]. On the other hand and as the authors of the official HULC tool themselves indicate: "There are quite a few publications developing its use" [27]. In view of this, and focussing on the typology of administrative buildings, the aim of this study is to analyse the energy behaviour of a building using the HULC tool to consider its climate zone, the building orientation and the insulation types typical of this type of construction.…”