scholarly journals Managing energy performance in buildings from design to operation using modelling and calibration

2021 ◽  
pp. 014362442110083
Author(s):  
Nishesh Jain ◽  
Esfand Burman ◽  
Dejan Mumovic ◽  
Mike Davies
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Calibration Protocol ◽  
Covering Design

To manage the concerns regarding the energy performance gap in buildings, a structured and longitudinal performance assessment of buildings, covering design through to operation, is necessary. Modelling can form an integral part of this process by ensuring that a good practice design stage modelling is followed by an ongoing evaluation of operational stage performance using a robust calibration protocol. In this paper, we demonstrate, via a case study of an office building, how a good practice design stage model can be fine-tuned for operational stage using a new framework that helps validate the causes for deviations of actual performance from design intents. This paper maps the modelling based process of tracking building performance from design to operation, identifying the various types of performance gaps. Further, during the operational stage, the framework provides a systematic way to separate the effect of (i) operating conditions that are driven by the building’s actual function and occupancy as compared with the design assumptions, and (ii) the effect of potential technical issues that cause underperformance. As the identification of issues is based on energy modelling, the process requires use of advanced and well-documented simulation tools. The paper concludes with providing an outline of the software platform requirements needed to generate robust design models and their calibration for operational performance assessments. Practical application The paper’s findings are a useful guide for building industry professionals to manage the performance gap with appropriate accuracy through a robust methodology in an easy to use workflow. The methodological framework to analyse building energy performance in-use links best practice design stage modelling guidance with a robust operational stage investigation. It helps designers, contractors, building managers and other stakeholders with an understanding of procedures to follow to undertake an effective measurement and verification exercise.

scholarly journals Understanding the energy performance GAP: case studies of energy efficient homes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moe Otsubo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Initial Energy ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Energy Models ◽  
Dynamic Energy Simulation ◽  
Actual Energy Consumption

The energy performance gap between the predicted and actual energy consumption of 3 LEED for Homes certified buildings were investigated. The actual energy consumptions of the homes were found to be 23 to 77% higher than the initial energy consumption predictions made during the design stage. Revisions to the HOT2000 models to account for changes made between the design and occupancy phase of the buildings helped reduce the gap (9 to 40%). The sources of the discrepancies were found to be related to the energy modeling program’s limitations, inconsistency between the energy model and the actual building, and additional loads in the homes. The HOT2000 program, which is used for obtaining the EnerGuide rating for LEED certified homes, was compared against a dynamic energy simulation program to assess the applicability of the use of the former for energy efficient homes. The use of EnergyPlus not only allowed for a more accurate representation of the actual homes in the energy models, but an increase in the EnerGuide rating for the home was seen, which in turn equates to additional points for the home under the “Energy & Atmosphere” category for the LEED for Homes certification process

scholarly journals Examining the performance gap in LEED certified murbs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlin Paige Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Energy Modelling

This study assesses the performance gap between actual energy performance and desired energy performance outcomes for a case study of 19 LEED-certified multi-unit residential buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. The study examines 1) how accurately design-stage energy modelling predicts actual energy use, 2) how much variation of energy performance can be seen between buildings of the same level of certification, and 3) the key contributing factors of this performance gap. Using EUI as the basis of comparison, trend analysis was carried out. It was determined that a performance gap between modelled and actual building energy use does exist. When compared to a larger sample of existing buildings, the case study buildings show no real improvement, on average. Regression models revealed no strong correlation between LEED Level or LEED EAc1 credits and reduced EUIs.

scholarly journals ANALYSING THE GAP BETWEEN PREDICTED AND ACTUAL OPERATIONAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN BUILDINGS: A REVIEW

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rajithan ◽  
◽  
D. Soorige ◽  
S.D.I.A. Amarasinghe ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Savings ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Operational Energy ◽  
Significant Performance

Operational energy consumption in buildings has a crucial impact on global energy consumption. Nevertheless, significant energy savings can be achieved in buildings if properly designed, constructed, and operated. Building Energy Simulation (BES) plays a vital role in the design and optimisation of buildings. BES is used to compare the cost-effectiveness of energy-conservation measures in the design stage and assess various performance optimisation measures during the operational phase. However, there is a significant ‘performance gap’ between the predicted and the actual energy performance of buildings. This gap has reduced the trust and application of the BES. This article focused on investigating BES, reasons that lead to a performance gap between predicted and actual operational energy consumption of buildings, and the ways of minimising the gap. The article employed a comprehensive literature review as the research methodology. Findings revealed that reasons such as limited understanding of the building design, the complexity of the building design, poor commissioning, occupants’ behaviour, etc., influence the energy performance gap. After that, the strategies have been identified to minimise the energy performance gap such as proper commissioning, creating general models to observe occupants’ behaviour in buildings, and using the general models for energy simulation, ensuring better construction and quality through training and education, etc. Further, the findings of this study could be implemented by practitioners in the construction industry to effectively use energy simulation applications in designing energy-efficient and sustainable buildings.

scholarly journals Maxmaladaptation, occupant behaviour and energy performance gap

2021 ◽  
pp. 014362442110009
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Levermore
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Environmental Factors ◽  
Energy Gap ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Occupant Behaviour ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Novel Concept ◽  
Extreme Scenario

Occupant behaviour is a key factor in the energy consumption and performance of a building. However, it is difficult to model and simulate hence there is often a mismatch between the predicted and actual performance of a new or refurbished buildings and surprising variations in the consumptions of similar and identical buildings. Although environmental conditions affect people significantly, there are also non-environmental factors including how well employers manage people and how well dwelling occupants understand their controls. Rarely are these factors considered in building performance, especially commercial buildings. Poor management can lead to varying degrees of occupant maladaptation. Maladaptation taken here to mean behaviour patterns that are detrimental to the optimal functioning of the building. This paper proposes a novel concept for designers that examines the worst possible energy performance gap (“extreme” scenario testing) where the theoretical occupants do their best to make the building consume as much energy as possible. The novel concept is called “maxmaladaptation”. By considering maxmaladaptation, designers can attempt to reduce it, so reducing the energy gap. This paper briefly reviews the energy gap and social psychology and its contribution to understanding energy consumption with some examples, underlying the concept of maxmaladaptation. Practical application: Building energy performance gaps often exist because predicted design consumptions are often less than actual consumptions due to the occupants not behaving as designers expect. Using the concept of maxmaladaptation, an extreme scenario of maximum energy use by occupants, designers can design buildings to avoid unexpected energy consumption. Often the influences of occupant behaviour are not considered in detail. Social psychology gives an insight into non-environmental factors that can cause maladaptation, a constituent of maxmaladaptation.

scholarly journals Understanding the energy performance GAP: case studies of energy efficient homes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moe Otsubo
Keyword(s):  
Energy Consumption ◽  
Energy Efficient ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Initial Energy ◽  
Energy Simulation ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Energy Models ◽  
Dynamic Energy Simulation ◽  
Actual Energy Consumption

The energy performance gap between the predicted and actual energy consumption of 3 LEED for Homes certified buildings were investigated. The actual energy consumptions of the homes were found to be 23 to 77% higher than the initial energy consumption predictions made during the design stage. Revisions to the HOT2000 models to account for changes made between the design and occupancy phase of the buildings helped reduce the gap (9 to 40%). The sources of the discrepancies were found to be related to the energy modeling program’s limitations, inconsistency between the energy model and the actual building, and additional loads in the homes. The HOT2000 program, which is used for obtaining the EnerGuide rating for LEED certified homes, was compared against a dynamic energy simulation program to assess the applicability of the use of the former for energy efficient homes. The use of EnergyPlus not only allowed for a more accurate representation of the actual homes in the energy models, but an increase in the EnerGuide rating for the home was seen, which in turn equates to additional points for the home under the “Energy & Atmosphere” category for the LEED for Homes certification process

scholarly journals Examining the performance gap in LEED certified murbs

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaitlin Paige Carroll
Keyword(s):  
Energy Use ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Performance Gap ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Energy Modelling

This study assesses the performance gap between actual energy performance and desired energy performance outcomes for a case study of 19 LEED-certified multi-unit residential buildings in the Greater Toronto Area. The study examines 1) how accurately design-stage energy modelling predicts actual energy use, 2) how much variation of energy performance can be seen between buildings of the same level of certification, and 3) the key contributing factors of this performance gap. Using EUI as the basis of comparison, trend analysis was carried out. It was determined that a performance gap between modelled and actual building energy use does exist. When compared to a larger sample of existing buildings, the case study buildings show no real improvement, on average. Regression models revealed no strong correlation between LEED Level or LEED EAc1 credits and reduced EUIs.

scholarly journals A comprehensive rubric for instructional design in e-learning

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Debattista
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Course Design ◽  
Good Practice ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Instructional Designers ◽  
Current Standard ◽  
Pedagogical Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
E Learning

Purpose The recognition of practice in online instruction is still subject to interpretation and different approaches as a result of the rapid changes in technology and its effect on society. The purpose of this paper is to address these differences through a synthesis that can be easily accessed and consulted by educators in the field of e-learning. Design/methodology/approach This paper reviews different examples of rubrics and instruments in higher education to propose a more comprehensive rubric that constitutes a synthesis of how some institutions in HE approach best practice in this field. Findings The proposed comprehensive rubric emanating from the synthesis of different approaches supports the development, remixing, sharing and integration of online modules and courses by providing a single reference point with as wide a range as possible of potential pedagogical tools, facilities and approaches to e-learning. Research limitations/implications It is not within the scope of this paper to review quality assurance processes and administrative components, but to propose a rubric for course design and self-review of faculty and higher education institutions for a better alignment with what is regarded as current standard best practice. Practical implications Instructional designers in e-learning have a new comprehensive rubric that can consult at design stage. Originality/value Different approaches towards what is called “good practice” are brought together and analysed to provide a synthesis and a single source that can be consulted by practitioners in the field of e-learning.

Second-Law Analysis in a Steam Power Plant for Minimization of Avoidable Exergy Destruction

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tapan K. Ray ◽  
Pankaj Ekbote ◽  
Ranjan Ganguly ◽  
Amitava Gupta
Keyword(s):  
Work Performance ◽  
Operating Conditions ◽  
Performance Criteria ◽  
Second Law ◽  
Feed Water ◽  
Exergy Destruction ◽  
Actual Performance ◽  
Time Operation ◽  
Major Equipment ◽  
Cycle Efficiency

Performance analysis of a 500 MWe steam turbine cycle is performed combining the thermodynamic first and second-law constraints to identify the potential avenues for significant enhancement in efficiency. The efficiency of certain plant components, e.g. condenser, feed water heaters etc., is not readily defined in the gamut of the first law, since their output do not involve any thermodynamic work. Performance criteria for such components are defined in a way which can easily be translated to the overall influence of the cycle input and output, and can be used to assess performances under different operating conditions. A performance calculation software has been developed that computes the energy and exergy flows using thermodynamic property values with the real time operation parameters at the terminal points of each system/equipment and evaluates the relevant rational performance parameters for them. Exergy-based analysis of the turbine cycle under different strategic conditions with different degrees of superheat and reheat sprays exhibit the extent of performance deterioration of the major equipment and its impact to the overall cycle efficiency. For example, during a unit operation with attemperation flow, a traditional energy analysis alone would wrongly indicate an improved thermal performance of HP heater 5, since the feed water temperature rise across it increases. However, the actual performance degradation is reflected as an exergy analysis indicates an increased exergy destruction within the HP heater 5 under reheat spray. These results corroborate to the deterioration of overall cycle efficiency and rightly assist operational optimization. The exergy-based analysis is found to offer a more direct tool for evaluating the commercial implication of the off-design operation of an individual component of a turbine cycle. The exergy destruction is also translated in terms of its environmental impact, since the irretrievable loss of useful work eventually leads to thermal pollution. The technique can be effectively used by practicing engineers in order to improve efficiency by reducing the avoidable exergy destruction, directly assisting the saving of energy resources and decreasing environmental pollution.

scholarly journals Decision-Making Processes in Controlling Exposure to Sunlight Supported by Simulation Tools: A Case Study in Warm Weather

Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (14) ◽  
pp. 4100
Author(s):  
Mariana Huskinson ◽  
Antonio Galiano-Garrigós ◽  
Ángel Benigno González-Avilés ◽  
M. Isabel Pérez-Millán
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Global Analysis ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Information Modeling ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Simulation Tools ◽  
Building Information ◽  
The Impact

Improving the energy performance of existing buildings is one of the main strategies defined by the European Union to reduce global energy costs. Amongst the actions to be carried out in buildings to achieve this objective is working with passive measures adapted to each type of climate. To assist designers in the process of finding appropriate solutions for each building and location, different tools have been developed and since the implementation of building information modeling (BIM), it has been possible to perform an analysis of a building’s life cycle from an energy perspective and other types of analysis such as a comfort analysis. In the case of Spain, the first BIM environment tool has been implemented that deals with the global analysis of a building’s behavior and serves as an alternative to previous methods characterized by their lack of both flexibility and information offered to designers. This paper evaluates and compares the official Spanish energy performance evaluation tool (Cypetherm) released in 2018 using a case study involving the installation of sunlight control devices as part of a building refurbishment. It is intended to determine how databases and simplifications affect the designer’s decision-making. Additionally, the yielded energy results are complemented by a comfort analysis to explore the impact of these improvements from a users’ wellbeing viewpoint. At the end of the process the yielded results still confirm that the simulation remains far from reality and that simulation tools can indeed influence the decision-making process.

scholarly journals Energy Rating of Buildings to Promote Energy-Conscious Design in Israel

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Abraham Yezioro ◽  
Isaac Guedi Capeluto
Keyword(s):  
Design Process ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Energy Performance ◽  
Basic Unit ◽  
Design Stage ◽  
Design Decision ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
New Buildings

Improving the energy efficiency of existing and new buildings is an important step towards achieving more sustainable environments. There are various methods for grading buildings that are required according to regulations in different places for green building certification. However, in new buildings, these rating systems are usually implemented at late design stages due to their complexity and lack of integration in the architectural design process, thus limiting the available options for improving their performance. In this paper, the model ENERGYui used for design and rating buildings in Israel is presented. One of its main advantages is that it can be used at any design stage, including the early ones. It requires information that is available at each stage only, as the additional necessary information is supplemented by the model. In this way, architects can design buildings in a way where they are aware of each design decision and its impact on their energy performance, while testing different design directions. ENERGYui rates the energy performance of each basic unit, as well as the entire building. The use of the model is demonstrated in two different scenarios: an office building in which basic architectural features such as form and orientation are tested from the very beginning, and a residential building in which the intervention focuses on its envelope, highlighting the possibilities of improving their design during the whole design process.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document