Figure 1: Example of a simple model definition.
Building planning and design is a non-trivial task. This is because buildings are a microcosms of complexity derived from the interaction between form and fabric, service plant, control systems, occupants and climate. How can the performance of such a complex system be evaluated at the design stage when the building exists only as an idea? It is here that simulation can help by allowing designers to create a virtual building in order to explore alternative design approaches. Essentially, simulation involves three steps:
The energy consumption, thermal/visual/acoustic comfort, passive/active solar potential, indoor air quality, environmental impact and much more can then be investigated. Consider the following case study which illustrates some of the performance characteristics that might be explored..
Modelling is the process of re-expressing the building design in a manner suitable for simulation. For information about the model creation process, please consult the Victoria Quay case study.
Figure 1: Example of a simple model definition.
After the building model is created (Figure 1), simulations can be carried out to assess building performance from a number of viewpoints.
An example set of results is given below.
Diversified totals of heating/cooling loads (Figure 2) represent critical plant size and hence capital costs. Reduction of these loads can bring significant cost savings. Energy requirements (Figure 3) represent running costs, while the breakdown indicates the principal causal factors. Reducing these requirements will bring about running cost savings.
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Figure 2: Maximum heating loads. |
Figure 3: Energy requirements. |
For more information about energy efficiency, please consult the GTW offices and multi-family dwelling case studies.
Another important performance aspect is thermal comfort of the occupants. Simple measures exist to avoid summer overheating and the consequent capital and running costs associated with providing space cooling. The distribution of the space operative temperature might be called up to support an adaptive comfort evaluation and assess any seasonal variation (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Thermal comfort evaluation.
For more information on thermal comfort, please consult the following case studies.
How the daylight is distributed throughout a space (Figure 5) will dictate occupant satisfaction and artificial lighting consumption. Daylight can be used to offset the need for atrificial lighting and hence reduce electricity consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Figure 5: Daylight distribution.
Effective daylight distribution must be achieved in a manner that brings visual satisfaction to the occupants. Glare elimination and overall visual comfort are two key issues that can readily be evaluated using simulation (Figure 6).
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Figure 6: Glare and visual comfort evaluation.
For further information on daylighting and visual comfort please consult the College La Vanoise case study.
