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Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings

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A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "G: Energy and Buildings".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 May 2023) | Viewed by 26310

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nuria Forcada

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Guest Editor

Department of Project and Construction Engineering, Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, 08222 Terrassa (Barcelona), Spain
Interests: thermal comfort; building performance; BIM; energy efficiency; building quality; facility management; risk analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Rajat Gupta

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Guest Editor

Low Carbon Building Research Group, Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
Interests: building performance evaluation; thermal comfort; qualitative social research; environmental engineering; architectural engineering

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The guest editor is inviting submissions to a Special Issue of Energies on the subject area of “Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings”.

Climate change, the growth of indoor activities and the changing attitude to comfort has led to an increase in energy consumption in buildings. Only by understanding the relationship between the building, its systems, and their occupants’ needs, can come the changes needed to radically reduce the energy used in buildings and the greenhouse gasses emitted from them.

This Special Issue will deal with “Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings”. The topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to:

Thermal comfort and energy efficiency in buildings;
Thermal comfort and indoor air quality;
Thermal comfort and natural ventilation during the COVID-19 pandemic;
Comfort standards to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions;
Designing for thermal resilience;
Thermal comfort for different groups of the population;
Safe and healthy environments for people with different needs;
Thermal comfort and climate change;
Building and HVAC control for indoor environmental quality (IEQ);
Building information modelling (BIM) and digital twins for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) analysis;
Predictive and adaptive thermal comfort models.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuria Forcada
Prof. Dr. Rajat Gupta
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

Building performance evaluation
Thermal comfort
Energy efficiency
Natural ventilation
Indoor air quality
Climate change
Adaptive thermal comfort models
COVID-19

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variation of Mean Radiant Temperature in Rooms for Summer and Winter Conditions

by Stutee Tamrakar, Liguo Chen and Bjørn Reidar Sørensen

Energies 2023, 16(15), 5609; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16155609 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 749

Abstract

The standard for ergonomics of the thermal environment provides information on the calculation of optimal thermal comfort. Operative temperature (OT) is one of the essential elements of thermal comfort and is a function of air temperature, mean radiant temperature (MRT), and air velocity. This paper investigates the impact of diverse influences on MRT in an office room based on occupant position and posture (seated and standing). A comparative simulation study of the varied thermal transmittance (U-value) of the only external wall with a window in an office room depending on the wide-ranging outdoor temperature is conducted in the MATLAB tool Simulink. The air temperature and air velocity are assumed according to the standards, and the MRT is simulated. The angle factors, U-value of walls/windows, occupant position, occupant posture, and outdoor temperature are the critical parameters that affect MRT. The results show varied responses from MRT for each of the five outdoor temperature scenarios simulated for three types of exterior walls. Seated occupants have equal MRT, whereas standing occupants have minor discrepancies when exposed to a window at the same distance in all outdoor scenarios. When the placement of occupants is not equally exposed to the window, the seated occupants have a higher MRT difference than the standing occupants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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15 pages, 2060 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Architecture for Testing Central Heating Control Algorithms with Feedback from Wireless Temperature Sensors

by Michał Markiewicz, Aleksander Skała, Jakub Grela, Szymon Janusz, Tadeusz Stasiak, Dominik Latoń, Andrzej Bielecki and Katarzyna Bańczyk

Energies 2023, 16(14), 5584; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16145584 - 24 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1303

Abstract

The energy consumption of buildings is a significant contributor to overall energy consumption in developed countries. Therefore, there is great demand for intelligent buildings in which energy consumption is optimized. Online control is a crucial aspect of such optimization. The implementation of modern algorithms that take advantage of developments in information technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning, sensors, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is used in this context. In this paper, an architecture for testing central heating control algorithms as well as the control algorithms of the heating system of the building is presented. In particular, evaluation metrics, the method for seamless integration, and the mechanism for real-time performance monitoring and control are put forward. The proposed tools have been successfully tested in a residential building, and the conducted tests confirmed the efficiency of the proposed solution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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25 pages, 5691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing User Engagement in Local Energy Initiatives Using Smart Local Energy Engagement Tools: A Meta Study

by Rajat Gupta, Sahar Zahiri and Johanna Morey

Energies 2023, 16(7), 3037; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en16073037 - 27 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1422

Abstract

Deploying smart local energy engagement tools (SLEETs) in local energy projects enables users to better observe and control energy, and potentially become active participants in local energy management. Using a cross-project approach, this paper examines the prevalence, effectiveness and inclusiveness of 84 SLEETs deployed in 72 local energy projects in the UK from 2008 to 2018. An original framework for the characterisation of SLEETs was employed, which grouped them into seven types and characterised them in terms of their level of interaction and interface design. Our study shows that information-driven tools were the most popular in community energy groups, while digital energy platforms or interaction tools with numeric interfaces were the most popular in smart local energy system (SLES) initiatives. In contrast, interaction tools with visual interfaces, and tools offering control were found to be less popular. Spatial analysis revealed that SLEETs were mostly deployed in areas with grid constraints (technology), active community energy groups (people) and engaged local authorities (policy). Effective SLEETs were found to stimulate engagement amongst people (social engagement), and between people and technology (operation and control), while inclusive SLEETs enabled the inclusion of vulnerable and low-income households. The acceptance and implementation of SLES initiatives can be enhanced by creating effective and inclusive SLEETs that align with local users’ requirements and are supported by local stakeholders in order to foster trust. In future, there is a need to develop appropriate metrics (key performance indicator) or scoring methods to measure the prevalence, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of SLEETs in a consistent manner. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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23 pages, 4805 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possibilities of Adapting the University Lecture Room to the Green University Standard in Terms of Thermal Comfort and Ventilation Accuracy

by Piotr Kosiński and Aldona Skotnicka-Siepsiak

Energies 2022, 15(10), 3735; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15103735 - 19 May 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1253

Abstract

Numerous classrooms at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, built in the years 1960–1980, require deep modernization to implement the idea of the green university there. The paper presents an energy analysis of possible scenarios of modernization of a selected lecture hall and an indication of the optimal variant in terms of the user’s thermal comfort. The conditions of the room were experimentally measured. Authors compared the energy effects of typical thermorenovation activities, such as increased thermal resistance of external walls (reduction of the primary energy (EP) demand by about 45%), with more advanced measures, such as replacement of natural ventilation with mechanical with heat recovery (indicated in the course of numerical studies as necessary for health and comfort of users). The authors also compared the effectiveness of the heat network and individual sources that could be implemented in the building. The heat pump, in combination with photovoltaic panels, turned out to be optimal (reduction of the EP by 97%, utility energy by 69%). As the problem of modernizing facilities to a similar standard is also faced by many campuses, school facilities, and assembly rooms in Central and Eastern Europe, the presented results can be a reference point for similar activities in other locations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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13 pages, 2177 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User-Centric BIM-Based Framework for HVAC Root-Cause Detection

by Hamidreza Alavi and Nuria Forcada

Energies 2022, 15(10), 3674; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15103674 - 17 May 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 1947

Abstract

In the building operation phase, the Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) equipment are the main contributors to excessive energy consumption unless proper design and maintenance is carried out. Moreover, HVAC problems might have an impact on occupants’ discomfort in thermal comfort. Hence, the identification of the root cause of HVAC problems is imperative for facility managers to plan preventive and corrective maintenance actions. However, due to the complex interaction between various equipment and the lack of data integration among Facility Management (FM) systems, they fail to provide necessary information to identify the root cause of HVAC problems. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a potential solution for maintenance activities to address the challenges of information reliability and interoperability. Therefore, this paper presents a novel conceptual model and user-centric framework to determine the causes of HVAC problems implemented in BIM for its visualization. CMMS and BMS data were integrated into BIM and utilized by the framework to analyze the root cause of HVAC problems. A case study in a university building was used to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. This framework assists the FM team to determine the most probable cause of an HVAC problem, reducing the time to detect equipment faults, and providing potential actions to solve them. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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27 pages, 8649 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating Optimum Cooling Set Point Temperature and Air Velocity for Thermal Comfort and Energy Conservation in Mixed-Mode Buildings in India

by Sriraj Gokarakonda, Christoph van Treeck and Rajan Rawal

Energies 2022, 15(6), 2259; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15062259 - 19 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

In warm and hot climates, ceiling fans and/or air conditioners (ACs) are used to maintain thermal comfort. Ceiling fans provide air movement near the skin, which enhances the evaporation of sweat, reduces heat stress, and enhances thermal comfort. This is also called the cooling effect. However, AC usage behaviour and the effects of elevated air speed through the use of ceiling fans on indoor operative temperature during AC usage are not widely studied. This study investigated the optimum AC (cooling) set point temperature and air velocity necessary for maintaining thermal comfort while achieving energy conservation, in mixed-mode buildings in India, through field studies by using used custom-built Internet of Things (IOT) devices. In the current study, the results indicate a 79% probability that comfort conditions can be maintained by achieving a temperature drop of 3K. If this drop can be achieved, as much as possible, through passive measures, the duration of AC operation and its energy consumption are reduced, at least by 67.5 and 58.4%, respectively. During the air-conditioned period, there is a possibility that the cooing effect is reduced because of increase in operative temperature due to ceiling fan operation. Therefore, the optimum solution is to maintain the highest AC set point and minimum fan speed setting that are acceptable. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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18 pages, 30025 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Experimental Study of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality—A Case Study of a Hotel Building

by Marek Borowski, Klaudia Zwolińska and Marcin Czerwiński

Energies 2022, 15(6), 2026; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en15062026 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2924

Abstract

Ensuring the comfort and health of occupants is the main objective of properly functioning building systems. Regardless of the season and building types, it is the priority of the designers and building managers. The indoor air parameters affect both the well-being and health of users. Furthermore, it could impact the effectiveness of their work and concentration abilities. In hotel facilities, the guests’ comfort is related directly to positive opinions or customer complaints, which is related to financial benefits or losses. The main goal of this study is the analysis of the indoor environmental quality in guests’ rooms, based on the example of a hotel in Poland. The article assesses the variability of air parameters, including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations, and the acceptability of indoor conditions. The research was carried out in November 2020. Based on the collected data, the dynamics of changes of selected air parameters were analyzed. The article analyzes the comfort indicators inside guest rooms, including the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of the Dissatisfied (PPD) index. The obtained results were compared with the optimal conditions of use to ensure the guests’ comfort. As the analysis showed, the temperature and humidity conditions are maintained at a satisfactory level for most of the time. It was noticed that the CO₂ concentrations temporarily exceeded the value of 2000 ppm in two of the analyzed guests’ rooms, which could cause discomfort to hotel guests. In these rooms, the increase in the volume of ventilation airflow should be considered. The measured parameters dynamically varied over time, and there was no repeatability or clear patterns of variation. This is due to the individual preferences and behavior of users. A detailed analysis is extremely difficult due to the possibility of opening windows by users, the irregular presence of hotel guests in the rooms, and the inability to verify the exact number of users in the room during the measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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16 pages, 2514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Carbon Footprint of Residential Building in Warm Humid Climate of India through BIM

by Rosaliya Kurian, Kishor Sitaram Kulkarni, Prasanna Venkatesan Ramani, Chandan Swaroop Meena, Ashok Kumar and Raffaello Cozzolino

Energies 2021, 14(14), 4237; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14144237 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4659

Abstract

In recent years Asian Nations showed concern over the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of their civil infrastructure. This study presents a contextual investigation of a residential apartment complex in the territory of the southern part of India. The LCA is performed through Building Information Modelling (BIM) software embedded with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of materials utilized in construction, transportation of materials and operational energy use throughout the building lifecycle. The results of the study illustrate that cement is the material that most contributes to carbon emissions among the other materials looked at in this study. The operational stage contributed the highest amount of carbon emissions. This study emphasizes variation in the LCA results based on the selection of a combination of definite software-database combinations and manual-database computations used. For this, three LCA databases were adopted (GaBi database and ecoinvent databases through One Click LCA software), and the ICE database was used for manual calculations. The ICE database showed realistic value comparing the GaBi and ecoinvent databases. The findings of this study are valuable for the policymakers and practitioners to accomplish optimization of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions over the building life cycle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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27 pages, 11436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using CFD to Evaluate Natural Ventilation through a 3D Parametric Modeling Approach

by Nayara Rodrigues Marques Sakiyama, Jurgen Frick, Timea Bejat and Harald Garrecht

Energies 2021, 14(8), 2197; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14082197 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5275

Abstract

Predicting building air change rates is a challenge for designers seeking to deal with natural ventilation, a more and more popular passive strategy. Among the methods available for this task, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) appears the most compelling, in ascending use. However, CFD simulations require a range of settings and skills that inhibit its wide application. With the primary goal of providing a pragmatic CFD application to promote wind-driven ventilation assessments at the design phase, this paper presents a study that investigates natural ventilation integrating 3D parametric modeling and CFD. From pre- to post-processing, the workflow addresses all simulation steps: geometry and weather definition, including incident wind directions, a model set up, control, results’ edition, and visualization. Both indoor air velocities and air change rates (ACH) were calculated within the procedure, which used a test house and air measurements as a reference. The study explores alternatives in the 3D design platform’s frame to display and compute ACH and parametrically generate surfaces where air velocities are computed. The paper also discusses the effectiveness of the reference building’s natural ventilation by analyzing the CFD outputs. The proposed approach assists the practical use of CFD by designers, providing detailed information about the numerical model, as well as enabling the means to generate the cases, visualize, and post-process the results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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15 pages, 427 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Building Characteristics and Indoor Environmental Quality through Post-Occupancy Evaluation

by Rafaela Bortolini and Núria Forcada

Energies 2021, 14(6), 1659; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/en14061659 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2383

Abstract

Post-occupancy evaluations are common tools used to periodically assess Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) in tertiary buildings. Although the large amount of data collected from surveys contain valuable information, the influence of building characteristics on IEQ considering the different uses of the rooms and different types of occupants is rarely considered in the evaluation. This study presents an analysis of the association between building characteristics and IEQ in different building rooms (classrooms and offices) and different occupants (students and lecturers) using a post occupancy evaluation survey to 1013 occupants in 26 higher educational buildings in Spain under a Mediterranean climate. This research demonstrated that building characteristics influence IEQ perceptions of the different rooms in tertiary education buildings. The possibility of controlling the lighting, shadows or heating, ventilation air or conditioning (HVAC) systems are the most influential factors when analyzing IEQ. The findings of this research are of interest to facility managers aiming at implementing energy efficiency measures based on user-centric satisfaction or developing maintenance plans focused on IEQ enhancement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Evaluation, Thermal Comfort and Energy Efficiency in Buildings)

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