ME404 Energy Systems Modelling

Overview and aims: This course is concerned with advanced methods for modelling and simulating the built environment and the myriad systems and technologies that may be used for energy supply and demand reduction. The aim is to introduce students to the mathematical models that underlie the advanced simulation programs that are increasingly being used by practitioners to support the design of a low energy buildings and ensure energy supply systems of low environmental impact.
Learning outcomes: On course completion, students should appreciate the capabilities and limitations of the methods for assessing the performance of buildings and their associated energy supply systems, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality, human comfort and environmental emissions. They should also:
  • + appreciate that environments result from a complex interaction of many heat, power and mass transfer mechanisms;
    + have a basic knowledge of how to apply modelling and simulation to address this complexity;
    + understand the theoretical and operational principles underlying contemporary energy simulation programs; and
    + appreciate the limitations of simulation-based design tools and the issues to be addressed to ensure their effective application in practice.
Pre-requisites: Heat and Flow, Environmental Engineering Science (or equivalent)
Main resources: J A Clarke, 2002, Energy Simulation in Building Design (2nd Edn), Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN 0 7506 5082. Do not purchase.
Syllabus:

 

Week
Lecture topic
Notes & slides
Tutorials
1
Energy-related issues

 
2
 Types of modelling systems

Slides: modelling systems

 1: questions with answers
3

Energy flow-paths and weather boundary conditions.

2a: questions with answers
2b: questions with answers
3: questions with answers
4

Response function method

4: questions with answers (data sheets)
5

Numerical method - buildings

5: questions with answers
6
 Numerical method - energy supply systems

6: questions with answers
7
 Short- and long-wave radiation

7a: questions with answers (data sheets)
7b: questions with answers
8

Fluid flow

8: questions with answers

9
 Use in practice: issues 9: questions
10

Use in practice and course summary