Abstract
Achieving “nearly zero energy buildings” (NZEB) has been established as a vital objective over the next decade within the European Union (EU) [1,2]. Previous work has shown that a series of very cost effective thermal efficiency measures, equipment, appliance and renewable energy choices are available across climates to reach the NZEB objective. Resulting detailed energy and economic optimization findings have been obtained and published [3,4]. One area that has just begun to be explored, however, is how selection of weather files and their application against coming climate change can influence outcomes from energy optimization procedures.
Highlights
Until now, many energy based simulations have used International Weather for Energy Calculations (IWEC or IWEC2) hourly weather files which represent average weather observed or TMY – typical metrological year-typically over the last 15-25 years [5]
These results suggest that the IWEC is so different from recent weather that that they should not even be used as a source for morphing files intended to be representative of the future
The extreme summer temperatures seen in Northern Europe may entering a “new normal” relative to coming years with implications for the balance of heating and cooling in dwellings
Summary
Many energy based simulations have used International Weather for Energy Calculations (IWEC or IWEC2) hourly weather files which represent average weather observed or TMY – typical metrological year-typically over the last 15-25 years [5]. Over the last several years, a series of highly unusual weather has been experienced in Europe relative to historic norms This weather has featured more extreme events, both in winter and summer—with temperatures up to 35 Cwith average temperatures nearly 1 C greater than longterm average. More up to date TMYs have become available, including data since 2011 with re-analysis based on satellite date [7] Still, such data has the problem within the climate change already being experienced of looking backward for weather while projecting building energy use into the future. Energy use is often projected out with economic assumptions by 30-50 years This is acceptable if weather data is relatively stable with little change over long intervals. During periods of increasing climate change, relying on such data may produce misleading indications [11]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
