A systems simulation framework to realize net-zero building energy retrofits

Abstract

Energy conservation and sustainability have been getting increased attention in the last few years, and in the building industry, a gradual shift is visible towards constructing net-zero energy buildings (NZEBs). In addition to the design and construction of new NZEBs, it is also equally important to find effective strategies to retrofit existing ones, as most buildings in the United States stock are old and need refurbishments. Furthermore, it is also necessary to track the performance of the installed retrofit measures to make sure that the building remains at the net-zero energy level. Even though the current energy simulation frameworks facilitate performing building energy simulation incorporating the building’s dynamic behavior, it is important to analyze the building’s entire lifecycle energy needs by investigating and understanding the various interdependencies. This study is therefore aimed at developing a systems simulation framework for analyzing the life cycle energy use in a building by incorporating the various dynamic events over the lifecycle. The major contribution from this study is an approach to test the energy efficiency of NZEB oriented energy efficiency measures over the entire life cycle of a building, thereby helping to effectively choose the renewable energy measures and the determining the energy surplus.