Passive measures for preventing summer overheating in industrial buildings under consideration of varying manufacturing process loads

Abstract

Industrial buildings implement retrofit measures to reduce energy demand for space conditioning, with primary focus given to heating loads, as they often lack cooling systems. An optimized refurbishment should be able though to tackle summer overheating, since studies indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of hot days during summer. Furthermore production fluctuations have an impact on manufacturing process loads and thus internal heat gains, affecting building performance. If production levels alter in the long term, an initially satisfying option may fail to respond to the future conditions. This paper presents retrofit alternatives for a case study in Austria. A thorough picture of the initial state was achieved by measurements of indoor climate conditions. Based on a calibrated dynamic thermal simulation model, optimization measures and natural ventilation patterns were tested under current production levels and hypothetical future scenarios for their adequacy to minimize overheating without the installation of an active cooling system. Results were classified and evaluated by adaptive comfort and workplace regulation criteria, while differences between the two approaches were discussed. There are measure constellations diminishing overheating risk for all internal heat gain conditions, whose applicability can adapt to the prevailing needs of the facility at the time.