A Simulation Framework for the Evaluation of Next Generation Responsive Building Envelope Technologies. (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Favoino, Fabio; Overend, Mauro
• Is Part Of: Energy procedia. Volume 78(2015)
• Page Start: 2602
• Page End: 2607
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: responsive building envelope -- smart glazing -- optimisation -- receding horizon control -- electro-chromic glazing.; Power resources -- Congresses; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power resources; Conference proceedings; Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.egypro.2015.11.302
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1876-6102

Abstract

Abstract: The development of responsive/dynamic building envelope technologies, adapting to transient external and internal boundary conditions, is considered a crucial step towards the achievement of the ZEB target. Current building energy simulation tools only include models for established responsive technologies, and the controls of either the HVAC system or active technologies is still based on rule based control. Therefore there is a limited capability of evaluating the full potential of state-of-the-art and more innovative responsive building envelope technologies, and to design optimal controls for integration with building services. This paper presents a simulation framework for the evaluation of dynamic building envelope technologies and controls. The tool developed is based on an inverse method, by which the required time series of thermo-optical properties of a building envelope element can be identified on the basis of a required level of performance (i.e. energy and/or comfort requirements). This relies on a building energy simulation software (EnergyPlus), coupled with an optimisation and a control software. The capabilities of the tool are demonstrated by means of a case study, optimizing the control strategy and the thermo- optical properties of state-of-the-art and innovative electro-chromic smart glazing, for a typical enclosed office.