In situ thermal characterization of existing buildings aiming at NZEB standard: A methodological approach. (May 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Evangelisti, Luca; Guattari, Claudia; Asdrubali, Francesco; de Lieto Vollaro, Roberto
• Is Part Of: Developments in the built environment. Volume 2(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-05
• Subjects: Thermal characterization -- On-site measurements -- Heat transfer -- Green buildings; Civil engineering -- Periodicals; Sustainable construction -- Periodicals; 624.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dibe.2020.100008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2666-1659

Abstract

Abstract: Building performance is strongly influenced by the performance of their structural parts, consequently affecting annual energy demands. The thermal characterization of building components can be achieved thanks to the knowledge of their internal layers and the thermal properties of each material. Considering existing buildings, technical data may be unidentified and heat transfer phenomena between walls and environments can be influenced by air-conditioning systems and local thermo-fluid dynamic conditions. Moreover, the conversion of an existing building into a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) requires accurate measurements and simulations compared with Standards suggestions, based on simplified procedures. Therefore, on-site surveys become fundamental. Standards suggestions can help engineers or technicians to define some unknown information related to heat transfer coefficients and thermo-physical properties. Nevertheless, can Standards' suggestions be considered reliable in every situation? This paper tries to answer this question, debating some investigations conducted in the last years and proposing a methodological approach. Highlights: Methods to obtain additional useful data to generate reliable energy simulation. Comparison among experimental measurements and Standard suggestions. Proposal of a method to analyze old buildings and leading them to green buildings.