Influence of WWR, WG and Glazing Properties on the Annual Heating and Cooling Energy Demand in Buildings

Abstract

This investigation presents a detailed analysis in an effort of building energy performance improvement from the aspect of building envelope influence on the annual heating and cooling demand. The aim is to indicate methods of performative intervention for envelope improvement and to offer architects and practitioners useful information for decission-making in the rehabilitation and improvement process of existing office buildings. Building envelope was investigated in order to determine preferable window to wall ratio's (WWR) and window geometry (WG) in the function of indoor daylight quality in offices via numerical simulations in Radiance engine, followed by the assessment of glazing influence on the annual energy demand. A comparative analysis was performed among gathered annual building expenses and simulated heating and cooling demands from the multi-zone thermal model constructed in EnergyPlus engine. Findings from the dynamic simulations indicated the influence of glazing parameters on the annual heating and cooling demand of the multi-zone building model.