Abstract
This study presents a novel optimization methodology for choosing optimal building retrofitting strategies based on the concept of exergy analysis. The study demonstrates that the building exergy analysis may open new opportunities in the design of an optimal retrofit solution despite being a theoretical approach based on the high performance of a Carnot reverse cycle. This exergy-based solution is different from the one selected through traditional efficient retrofits where minimizing energy consumption is the primary selection criteria. The new solution connects the building with the reference environment, which acts as “an unlimited sink or unlimited sources of energy”, and it adapts the building to maximize the intake of energy resources from the reference environment. The building hosting the School of Architecture at the University of Navarra has been chosen as the case study building. The unique architectural appearance and bespoke architectural characteristics of the building limit the choices of retrofitting solutions; therefore, retrofitting solutions on the façade, roof, roof skylight and windows are considered in multi-objective optimization using the jEPlus package. It is remarkable that different retrofitting solutions have been obtained for energy-driven and exergy-driven optimization, respectively. Considering the local contexts and all possible reference environments for the building, three “unlimited sinks or unlimited sources of energy” are selected for the case study building to explore exergy-driven optimization: the external air, the ground in the surrounding area and the nearby river. The evidence shows that no matter which reference environment is chosen, an identical envelope retrofitting solution has been obtained.
Highlights
Introduction and Motivation of the WorkConstruction is at the centre of social and economic activity and represents one of the biggest economic sectors [1]
When discussing the energy used in buildings, it is important to consider that it represents almost 40% of the total energy consumption in the world [2], and greater efficiency can make a key contribution in the climate change mitigation scenario, as was highlighted at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) [3]
By using the EnergyPlus runtime language (Erl), we have developed specific outputs that can compute the exergy in the way shown in Figure 6, where the distinction of exergy required (ExR) and exergy available (ExA) is stated
Summary
Introduction and Motivation of the WorkConstruction is at the centre of social and economic activity and represents one of the biggest economic sectors [1]. When discussing the energy used in buildings, it is important to consider that it represents almost 40% of the total energy consumption in the world [2], and greater efficiency can make a key contribution in the climate change mitigation scenario, as was highlighted at the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations (UN) Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) [3]. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) was recast in 2010 to make the goals more ambitious and to reinforce the implementation of energy efficiency measures [5]. This implementation depends, on the commitment of stakeholders, industry and civil society. A wide array of measures has been adopted across individual Member States to promote a better energy performance of buildings actively
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