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The application of computer modelling to develop a methodology for ‘existing building’ upgrades to move towards carbon-neutral buildings
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Date
2014
Authors
Murray, Sean Noel
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University College Cork
Published Version
Abstract
The retrofitting of existing buildings for decreased energy usage, through increased energy efficiency and for minimum carbon dioxide emissions throughout their remaining lifetime is a major area of research. This research area requires development to provide building professionals with more efficient building retrofit solution determination tools. The overarching objective of this research is to develop a tool for this purpose through the implementation of a prescribed methodology. This has been achieved in three distinct steps. Firstly, the concept of using the degree-days modelling method as an adequate means of basing retrofit decision upon was analysed and the results illustrated that the concept had merit. Secondly, the concept of combining the degree-days modelling method and the Genetic Algorithms optimisation method is investigated as a method of determining optimal thermal energy retrofit solutions. Thirdly, the combination of the degree-days modelling method and the Genetic Algorithms optimisation method were packaged into a building retrofit decision-support tool and named BRaSS (Building Retrofit Support Software). The results demonstrate clearly that, fundamental building information, simplified occupancy profiles and weather data used in a static simulation modelling method is a sufficient and adequate means to base retrofitting decisions upon. The results also show that basing retrofit decisions upon energy analysis results are the best means to guide a retrofit project and also to achieve results which are optimum for a particular building. The results also indicate that the building retrofit decision-support tool, BRaSS, is an effective method to determine optimum thermal energy retrofit solutions.
Description
Keywords
BRaSS , Building simulation , Building retrofit , Thermal energy retrofitting , Building retrofit simulation software
Citation
Murray, S. N. 2014. The application of computer modelling to develop a methodology for ‘existing building’ upgrades to move towards carbon-neutral buildings. PhD Thesis, University College Cork.