Building simulation has long been a highly effective method of assesing the energy performance of a building and the more simulations that are performed the better the outcome. However, changing the various parameters takes time, limiting the number that can be performed. The problem has been addressed by a programme led by IES that has developed a tool that will run many simulations for various scenarios set by the designer. As well as predicting energy consumption, for the first time the tool can produce cost data so energy and construction costs can be considered in final design decisions.
One of the main benefits is a 30% reduction in carbon emissions than traditional design methods, the starting point is subjecting the architect’s concept design to detailed engineering analysis.
There are the following optimisation variables available with the tool:
- Orientation
- Construction (light, medium, heavy)
- Percentage window area
- Mechanical ventilation rate
- Natural ventilation rate
- Electric lighting
- HVAC strategy
- Heating set point
- Cooling set point
- Solar PV
- Wind-turbine power
Such a range of variables will lead to huge numbers of simulations, which is where the skill and experience of the designer comes in to choose which variables to assess and to what extent. All the data from an Optimise analysis can be assessed against 3 criteria from a choice of 5. The 5 assessment criteria are:
- Performance, to minimise energy use and CO2 emissions
- Cost, to minimise capital cost
- Daylight, to maximise daylight and daylight uniformity
- Comfort, to minimise percentage of people dissatisfied and summer temperature
- Air quality, to minimise CO2 ppm
Optimise is a great advancement in the sustainable building industry and a great example of how the UK is leading the way with this type of technology.
