The Energy Upgrading of Existing Buildings: Window and Shading Device Typologies for Energy Efficiency Refurbishment

Abstract

Abstract:Residential buildings built after the Second World War have high energy consumption and inadequate thermal comfort, especially in summer conditions, largely attributable to the high transmittance of windows and lack of effective shading devices. Performance improvement of these components is essential for energy upgrading of existing buildings. This paper shows the results of the research, which aims to evaluate effects on energy consumption and environmental comfort of combined solutions of windows and shading devices applied to a case study representing a typical post World War II Italian building. In this paper, the main typologies of solar control systems are described and evaluated on the basis of a case study in different climatic locations (Berlin, Milan, Florence and Athens). Thermal behavior has been assessed through the EnergyPlus dynamic calculation code, by using appropriate performance indicators for energy and thermal sensation. Starting from performance evaluation of the existing building, different strategies have been assessed: replacement of existing windows with high-energy performance ones and introduction of shading devices and solar control glasses. Finally, a global comparative analysis has been carried out based on energy, acoustic and lighting performances, technical feasibility and management problems. Results of the different solar shading devices assessment are reported in the form of a data sheet.

Comparison among Detailed and Simplified Calculation Methods for Thermal and Energy Assessment of the Building Envelope and the Shadings of a New Wooden nZEB House

“…Based on the shadings features described in Section 2.3, the specific energy need for heating (QH,nd), cooling (QC,nd) and global (QH,nd + QC,nd) have been calculated with a dynamic code (Design Builder) [21] to choose the better performing shading strategy [22][23][24]. In Figure 23, simulation results are reported for the analysed shading systems and compared with the sole glass (ggl = 0.4).…”

Thermal Storage Systems Assessment for Energy Sustainability in Housing Units

“…High temperatures are registered in several geographic areas, and when these temperatures range around 30˝C, in addition to high humidity, they generate an unpleasant thermal sensation for the human body and these two factors are what create the need for thermal comfort [8][9][10]. The variables that were taken into account for the analysis of the comfort level were: percentages of relative humidity and dry bulb temperature, since all the air temperature fluctuations and/or average radiant temperature directly affect the thermal comfort of the inhabitants [11].…”

“…However, the case study also brings to light some fundamental challenges to create more sustainable means of life in areas of construction and energy [8,14,15].…”

Development of Climate Indices Using Local Weather Data for Shading Design

“…The thermal performance of shading devices can vary depending on the orientations of buildings and the local climate conditions. In a previous study, four types of shading systems fitted in buildings located in various climate conditions showed different solar gain values [12].…”

“…In the previous studies [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12], the indoor environment and energy performance of buildings were analysed using various computer simulation tools, which are based on numerical analysis. The results from these researches can be used when the thermal and light environment performances are evaluated with a building using different types of envelopes and shading devices.…”