Further validation of a method aimed to estimate building performance parameters

A further validation of an earlier developed neural network method for estimating the total heat loss coefficient (K_tot), the total heat capacity (C_tot) and the gain factor (α) based on measured diurnal data of internal–external temperature difference, supplied heat for heating and “free heat” is presented. The validation was performed in laboratory scale, using a test cell, for three different cases of ventilation, without (constant)-, natural-, and forced ventilation. Earlier measurements from a building was also used in order to simulate a realistic energy use pattern and a rather stochastic behavior of α, which also was transformed to represent existing and future buildings in terms of the composition of their energy use. For all three types of ventilation and different types of buildings, the method was capable of estimating the three different performance parameters and their different dependencies. For K_tot, the RMSE was between 3 and 20% and for α, the deviation was between 9 and 19%.     

Climate classifications and building energy use implications in China

Cluster analysis of summer and winter discomfort in terms of heat and cold stresses based on 102-year (1901-2002) weather data in China was conducted. Five bioclimate zones were identified. These were compared with the corresponding thermal and solar zoning classifications. Bio-I and Bio-II tended to locate largely within severe cold and cold climates in the north with excellent solar availability (annual clearness index K_t generally exceeding 0.5). Bio-III and Bio-IV covered mostly the hot summer and cold winter and mild climate zones. Despite the relatively low K_t in winter, passive solar heating should be able to meet a significant proportion of the heating requirements. Bio-V covered the hot summer and warmer winter region, where heat stress and hence cooling requirement dominated. Decreasing trends in the zone-average annual cumulative cold stress during the 102-year period were observed for all five zones. There was, however, no distinct pattern for the heat stress and the changes tended to be more subtle. These indicate that climate change during the 20^th century affected winter discomfort (especially in colder climates in the north) more than the summer discomfort. This could have significant implications for energy use in buildings if such trends persist.     

Theoretical simulation and experimental research on the system of air source energy independence driven by internal-combustion engine

Presents a new system of air source energy independence driven by internal-combustion engine (EIICE), which used natural gas or other fuels as an independent input energy, and could provide the heating, cooling and hot water for the buildings efficiently. It also could provide electricity for electric equipments of the system. The performance of air source EIICE system was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The experimental and simulation results indicated that the heat capacity of plate heat exchanger (P-HE), heat recovered from exhaust gas heat exchanger (EG-HE), input power of compressor, output power of engine and fuel consumption increased with the increase of the rotary speed, water flow rate of the P-HE and evaporation temperature. Heat recovered from the cylinder jacket heat exchanger (CJ-HE) increased with the increase of the rotary speed and evaporation temperature, but decreased with the increase of the water flow rate of P-HE. The coefficient of performance (COP_t) and primary energy ratio (PER_t) of air source EIICE system also increased with the increase of the water flow rate of P-HE and evaporation temperature, but decreased with the increase of the rotary speed.     

A holistic utility bill analysis method for baselining whole commercial building energy consumption in Singapore

The methodology for baseline building energy consumption is well established for energy saving calculation in the temperate zone both for performance-based energy retrofitting contracts and measurement and verification (M&V) projects. In most cases, statistical regression models based on utility bills and outdoor dry-bulb temperature have been applied to baseline monthly and annual whole building energy use. This paper presents a holistic utility bills analysis method for baseline whole building energy consumption in the tropical region. Six commercial buildings in Singapore were selected for case studies. Correlationships between the climate data, which are monthly mean outdoor dry-bulb temperature (T₀), relative humidity (RH) and global solar radiation (GSR), and whole building energy consumption are derived. A deep prediction study based monthly mean outdoor dry-bulb temperature (T₀) and whole building energy consumption is stated. The result shows that variations of the energy consumption in most of these buildings are contributed by T₀ and can be well predicted at 90% confidence level only with it. The analysis of such kind of model is especially useful for building managers, owners and ESCOs to track and baseline energy use during pre-retrofit and post-retrofit periods in the tropical condition.     

Measured energy savings from residential retrofits: Updated results from the BECA-B project

This study summarizes measured data on energy savings from conservation retrofits in existing residential buildings. We have compiled building performance data on approximately 115 retrofit projects (almost twice the size of the initial study) that we put into four general categories: utility-sponsored conservation programs, low-income weatherization programs, research studies, and multifamily buildings. The sample size for each project varies widely, ranging from individual buildings to 33 000 homes. Retrofits to the building shell, principally insulation of exterior surfaces, window treatments, and infiltration-reduction measures, are the most popular, although data on various heating system retrofits are now available. The average retrofit investment per unit in multifamily buildings is approximately $695, far lower than the average of $1350 spent in single-family residences. The median annual space heat savings in the four categories range from 15 to 38 GJ. Savings achieved are typically 20%–30% of pre-retrofit space heating energy use although large variations are observed both in energy savings and in costs per unit of energy saved. Even given the wide range in savings, most retrofit projects are cost-effective. Approximately 75%–80% of the retrofit projects have costs of conserved energy below their respective space heating fuel or electricity prices.     

Life cycle primary energy analysis of residential buildings

The space heating demand of residential buildings can be decreased by improved insulation, reduced air leakage and by heat recovery from ventilation air. However, these measures result in an increased use of materials. As the energy for building operation decreases, the relative importance of the energy used in the production phase increases and influences optimization aimed at minimizing the life cycle energy use. The life cycle primary energy use of buildings also depends on the energy supply systems. In this work we analyse primary energy use and CO₂ emission for the production and operation of conventional and low-energy residential buildings. Different types of energy supply systems are included in the analysis. We show that for a conventional and a low-energy building the primary energy use for production can be up to 45% and 60%, respectively, of the total, depending on the energy supply system, and with larger variations for conventional buildings. The primary energy used and the CO₂ emission resulting from production are lower for wood-framed constructions than for concrete-framed constructions. The primary energy use and the CO₂ emission depend strongly on the energy supply, for both conventional and low-energy buildings. For example, a single-family house from the 1970s heated with biomass-based district heating with cogeneration has 70% lower operational primary energy use than if heated with fuel-based electricity. The specific primary energy use with district heating was 40% lower than that of an electrically heated passive row house.     

The impact of auxiliary energy on the efficiency of the heating and cooling system: Monitoring of low-energy buildings

This paper presents a detailed meta-analysis of end and primary energy use for heating, cooling and ventilation of 11 low-energy non-residential buildings and one residential building in Germany that belong to the EnOB research program launched by the German Federal Ministry for Economy. In particular, the analysis emphasizes the substantial impact of auxiliary energy use on the efficiency of heating and cooling performance. The investigated buildings employ environmental energy sources and sinks - such as the ground, ground water, rainwater and the ambient air - in combination with thermo-active building systems. These concepts are promising approaches for slashing the primary energy use of buildings without violating occupant thermal comfort. A limited primary energy use of about 100 kWh_prim/(m²_neta) as a target for the complete building service technology (HVAC and lighting) was postulated for all buildings presented. With respect to this premise, a comprehensive long-term monitoring in high time resolution was carried out over the course of two to five years, with an accompanying commissioning of the building performance. Measurements include the energy use for heating, cooling, and ventilation, as well as the auxiliary equipment, the performance of the environmental heat source and sink, and local climatic site conditions.     

Calculation of the yearly energy performance of heating systems based on the European Building Energy Directive and related CEN standards

According to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) all new European buildings (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.) must since 2006 have an energy declaration based on the calculated energy performance of the building, including heating, ventilating, cooling and lighting systems. This energy declaration must refer to the primary energy or CO₂ emissions.The European Organization for Standardization (CEN) has prepared a series of standards for energy performance calculations for buildings and systems. This paper presents related standards for heating systems. The relevant CEN-standards are presented and a sample calculation of energy performance is made for a small single family house, an office building and an industrial building in three different geographical locations: Stockholm, Brussels, and Venice.The additional heat losses from heating systems can be 10-20% of the building energy demand. The additional loss depends on the type of heat emitter, type of control, pump and boiler.     

Building energy parameter investigations based on multivariate analysis

System identification can be used for evaluations of how measured energy use is influenced by the operation, design and equipment of buildings and their users. However, it can be difficult to access appropriate data for modelling purposes due to a small number of buildings, parameters not distributed normally, lumped information, etc. In this work, data of a subset of 112 comparable multifamily buildings located in the Stockholm area were derived from a larger Swedish building energy consumption survey. In that database, the accessible data are monthly consumption data together with a large number of building-specific classification parameters, e.g. building code, age of control system, type of owner, maintenance organization, area to let, etc.A multivariate PLS method (partial least squares to latent structures) was used to model different energy performance measures, such as the use of energy for heating, electricity used to operate the building technical system, the building total heat loss coefficient and the use of domestic cold water. The PLS model was investigated for both the total annual use and the annual use normalized to the available floor area. For most measures of performance, only qualitative estimates of the impact of different classification parameters could be drawn due to the goodness value of the model. However, for some of the investigated parameters, quantitative estimates could also be drawn. The obtained results are, in most cases, in good agreement with what might be expected.To enable benchmarking of different energy use measures, the area to let is commonly used as a normalizer by real estate managers in Sweden. In this study, we find strong indications that the area to let is not suitable for this purpose.     

Applying support vector machines to predict building energy consumption in tropical region

The methodology to predict building energy consumption is increasingly important for building energy baseline model development and measurement and verification protocol (MVP). This paper presents support vector machines (SVM), a new neural network algorithm, to forecast building energy consumption in the tropical region. The objective of this paper is to examine the feasibility and applicability of SVM in building load forecasting area. Four commercial buildings in Singapore are selected randomly as case studies. Weather data including monthly mean outdoor dry-bulb temperature (T₀), relative humidity (RH) and global solar radiation (GSR) are taken as three input features. Mean monthly landlord utility bills are collected for developing and testing models. In addition, the performance of SVM with respect to two parameters, C and ɛ, was explored using stepwise searching method based on radial-basis function (RBF) kernel. Finally, all prediction results are found to have coefficients of variance (CV) less than 3% and percentage error (%error) within 4%.     

Evaluation of adaptive thermal comfort models in moderate climates and their impact on energy use in office buildings

Thermally Activated Building Systems (TABS) are regarded as top-cooling systems rather than full air-conditioning systems. Therefore, adaptive thermal comfort models (ASHRAE55, ISSO74 or EN15251) are supposed to be applicable to TABS buildings, although the comfort model conditions are not necessarily satisfied. This paper investigates whether, for a moderate climate and with the heating and cooling set points chosen according to the adaptive models, the building’s energy use reduces. After all, applying adaptive models, if appropriate, is thought to lower energy use because higher maximum operative zone temperatures T_op,max are allowed, compared to the conventional ISO7730 model. For purpose of generality, a building with an ideal heating and cooling system is considered. Analysis of moderate climate weather data reveals a low energy reducing potential for the ASHRAE55 and ISSO74 model, because high reference outdoor temperatures hardly occur. EN15251 on the other hand, allows very high T_op,max and will lower the cooling need.A 2-zone building simulation demonstrates a higher cooling need for ASHRAE55 and ISSO74, compared to ISO7730. Because cooling is needed during the whole year, the lower winter T_op,max of these adaptive models causes these unexpected results. With real data of warmer years or varying gains, this conclusion holds.     

Very low energy homes in the United States: Perspectives on performance from measured data

We present measured annual performance data from a dozen recent-vintage very low energy homes in North America. Many of the designs combine greater energy efficiency with solar electric photovoltaic power in an attempt to create Zero Energy Homes (ZEH). We also provide measured data from the first home constructed to the German Passivhaus standard in the United States. Several projects either exceeded or come very close to true net zero energy when evaluated over a year.The data indicate that very low energy use buildings can very readily be achieved in North America. Annual energy use half that or less than standard housing can be achieved for an equivalent cost of $0.10/kWh from the efficiency investment. In general, the better cost effectiveness seen from energy efficiency measures indicates that greater investment in conservation should be a prerequisite to installation of solar water heating and solar electricity in Zero Energy Homes. However, over emphasis in efficiency is also possible. This suggests that optimization tools such as BEopt and EGUSA, which characterize both renewable resource performance and that also of specific combinations of energy efficiency measures, will best guide designers to locate the most economically favorable mix to reach an energy neutral level.     

Impact of lifestyle on the energy demand of a single family house

The building sector is one of the highest energy consumers in Austria. The potential to save energy in existing buildings is very high. Current Austrian policy incentives encourage home owners to renovate buildings to meet the European requirements, reduce energy consumption, and reduce CO₂ emissions. Nevertheless, there are often discrepancies between the measured and calculated energy consumption results despite efforts to take parameters into account such as the exact geometry and thermal properties of the building, energy demand for hot water, heating, cooling, ventilation systems, and lighting in the planning phase for selecting the best reconstruction option. To find the answer to this problem, many buildings are carefully investigated with the help of measurements, interviews, and simulations. This paper presents the analysis and results of the investigation of the impact of lifestyle on the energy demand of a single family house. The impact on energy performance of the most important parameters was observed by systematically changing parameters such as changing from a decentralized to a centralized heating system, considering various technologies and fuels for producing electricity and heat, use of renewable energy sources. Different occupant behaviours were changed systematically. The effects of these measures are analysed with respect to primary energy use, CO₂ emissions and energy costs. The results of these investigations show that the lifestyle and occupants’ living standard is mainly responsible for the differences between the calculated and measured energy consumption.     

Passive cooling for air-conditioning energy savings with new radiative low-cost coatings

Passive cooling is considered as an alternative technology to avoid unwanted heat gains, to reduce urban heat islands and to generate cooling potential for buildings (limiting air-conditioning energy). According to materials and surface treatments, the roof can represent to be a major heat gain source from opaque elements of the building fabric, heating up the outer surface and increasing heat flow by conduction. This paper presents low-cost new radiative materials (1 ∉/m²) allowing to limit heat gains during diurnal cycle for hot seasons. To evaluate the relevance of these new substrates, their reflective UV-VIS-IR behavior are studied and compared to classical roofed materials available in industrial and developing countries. A 48 m² experimental roof having different surfaces (plate steel sheets, fiber cement, terra cotta tiles and corrugated sheets) allows to determine the temperature ratio δ between uncoated and coated materials. Up to 34% surface temperature gains are obtained for white coated CS, 25% for FC and ∼18% for TCT and PSS. According to uncoated materials for a surface temperature T₀ = 60 °C, simulations showed that the low-cost white opaque reflective roofs (50 m²) presented in this study would reduce cooling energy consumption by 26-49%.     

Renewable energy options for buildings: Case studies

This paper deals with a novel approach to study renewable energy options for buildings to make them more efficient, more cost effective, more environmentally benign, and more technologically attractive. To demonstrate the application of this study, four buildings are chosen as case studies with two from the residential sector, one commercial/institutional building, and one industrial building. A ground source heat pump for heating and cooling, a solar water heater for space heating and/or hot water, and a photovoltaic panel to generate electricity are designed for these case studies. Attempt is made to design projects under hybrid systems combined from two technologies are developed for the above-mentioned four cases. Results obtained indicate that solar thermal option for hot water and space heating becomes the most cost effective one for all cases (e.g., $4956 for Cases 1 and 2 and $70,652 for Case 3, and $91,361 for Case 4). In addition, solar electricity through PVs is technologically the most suitable one to meet the electricity demand. The ground source heat pump option is quite attractive from the efficiency and environmental impact point of views although it requires installation and maintenance, etc. Finally, hybrid systems provide better advantages, such as higher efficiency, reduced cost, reduced emissions, etc.     

Primary energy implications of ventilation heat recovery in residential buildings

In this study, we analyze the impact of ventilation heat recovery (VHR) on the operation primary energy use in residential buildings. We calculate the operation primary energy use of a case-study apartment building built to conventional and passive house standard, both with and without VHR, and using different end-use heating systems including electric resistance heating, bedrock heat pump and district heating based on combined heat and power (CHP) production. VHR increases the electrical energy used for ventilation and reduces the heat energy used for space heating. Significantly greater primary energy savings is achieved when VHR is used in resistance heated buildings than in district heated buildings. For district heated buildings the primary energy savings are small. VHR systems can give substantial final energy reduction, but the primary energy benefit depends strongly on the type of heat supply system, and also on the amount of electricity used for VHR and the airtightness of buildings. This study shows the importance of considering the interactions between heat supply systems and VHR systems to reduce primary energy use in buildings.     

Future trends of building heating and cooling loads and energy consumption in different climates

Principal component analysis of dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature and global solar radiation was considered, and a new climatic index (principal component Z) determined for two emissions scenarios – low and medium forcing. Multi-year building energy simulations were conducted for generic air-conditioned office buildings in Harbin, Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming and Hong Kong, representing the five major architectural climates in China. Regression models were developed to correlate the simulated monthly heating and cooling loads and building energy use with the corresponding Z. The coefficient of determination (R²) was largely within 0.78–0.99, indicating strong correlation. A decreasing trend of heating load and an increasing trend of cooling load due to climate change in future years were observed. For low forcing, the overall impact on the total building energy use would vary from 4.2% reduction in severe cold Harbin (heating-dominated) in the north to 4.3% increase in subtropical Hong Kong (cooling-dominated) in the south. In Beijing and Shanghai where heating and cooling are both important, the average annual building energy use in 2001–2100 would only be about 0.8% and 0.7% higher than that in 1971–2000, respectively.     

Energy and exergy analysis of prosumers in hybrid energy grids

Surplus energy can be a recurrent phenomenon in zero-energy buildings (ZEBs) with onsite generation systems, usually resulting in the export of excess electricity. Yet, converting electricity into heat and exporting it could improve the overall energy balance. This study analyses the energy and exergy performance of a Finnish nearly zero-energy building (nZEB) as a heat and electricity prosumer, and proposes alternative energy topologies to improve energy and exergy levels, primary energy demand and CO₂ emissions. The results show that increasing the installed capacity of the photovoltaic systems would lead to zero energy, exergy, emissions and a balance of primary energy. However, by instead using the surplus electricity to drive a heat pump and export heat, the currently installed capacity would lead to a net energy export of over 4000?kWh/a. Thus, energy conversion could significantly enhance the contribution from heat and electricity prosumers to smart energy grids, though not without affecting other criteria. Two management strategies arise: favouring heat export improves the net energy and CO₂ emissions reduction but lessens the net exergy, while favouring electricity export improves the net exergy and primary energy reduction. The findings highlight that energy conversion can enhance nZEB performance and its exchange with hybrid grids.     

Optimum insulation thicknesses for building walls with respect to cooling and heating degree-hours in the warmest zone of Turkey

Thermal insulation is one of the most effective energy conservation measures for cooling and heating in buildings. Therefore, determining and selecting the optimum thickness of insulation is the main subject of many engineering investigations. In this study, the determination of optimum insulation thickness on external walls of buildings is comparatively analyzed based on annual heating and cooling loads. The transmission loads, calculated by using measured long-term meteorological data for selected cities, are fed into an economic model (P₁−P₂ method) in order to determine the optimum insulation thickness. The degree-hours method that is the simplest and most intuitive way of estimating the annual energy consumption of a building is used in this study. The results show that the use of insulation in building walls with respect to cooling degree-hours is more significant for energy savings compared to heating degree-hours in Turkey's warmest zone. The optimum insulation thickness varies between 3.2 and 3.8 cm; the energy savings varies between 8.47 and 12.19 $/m²; and the payback period varies between 3.39 and 3.81 years depending on the cooling degree-hours. On the other hand, for heating load, insulation thickness varies between 1.6 and 2.7 cm, energy savings varies between 2.2 and 6.6 $/m², and payback periods vary between 4.15 and 5.47 years.     

Load prediction method for heat and electricity demand in buildings for the purpose of planning for mixed energy distribution systems

Energy planning for mixed energy distribution systems is important to increase the flexibility in the regional and national energy systems. Expected maximum loads, load profiles and yearly energy demands, all divided into heat and electricity purposes, are important input parameters to plan for the most economical, technical and environmental optimal energy distribution system for a planning area. First, this article presents a load prediction method which estimates heat and electricity load profiles for various building categories. The method is based on statistical analyses of hourly simultaneous measured district heat and electricity consumption in several buildings, as well as background information of the measured buildings. The heat load model is based on regression analyses, whereas the electricity load model is based on various statistical distributions. Second, a method for load aggregation based on the building categories’ load profiles is presented to estimate the maximum load demands, yearly load profiles, load duration profiles and yearly energy demands, all divided into heat and electricity purposes, for a planning area.