Thermal Performance of Dwellings: Comparative Study Between Simulation Methods with NBR 15,575 (2013) and NBR 15,575 (2021)

Abstract

AbstractDepending on the constructive, geographical, and geometric characteristics, the thermal performance of buildings is parameterized by regulatory technical standards that aim to promote appropriate thermal comfort conditions for users. The knowledge of the ways to mitigate radiation, the biggest source of thermal gains in buildings, is essential to enable better thermal energetic levels and, above all, reduce the consumed thermal load. This work aims to carry out a comparative analysis between the computational simulation methods recommended by NBR 15,575 (2013) and NBR 15,575 (2021). For this purpose, two buildings were selected: one housing of social interest and another with q high-end standard level. From this, computational models for thermoenergetic simulation were carried out using the Energy-Plus software. The results obtained in the social interest housing simulations indicated compliance with the minimum level, but there was no compliance with the criteria of the intermediate and superior levels given the two normative methods analyzed. In the simulations carried out in the high-end building, compliance with the minimum level was achieved only with the use of shading devices in the frames, and, like social housing, it did not meet the intermediate and higher levels. When observing the simulations, in spite of being different, the service profile between the two methods was maintained. The house of social interest, whose construction systems are similar to the normative reference model, predisposes to meeting the minimum level, whereas buildings with large areas of transparent elements tend to have greater difficulties in meeting the thermal performance requirement. This work also shows the normative advances given by NBR 15,575 (2021) through the insertion of parameters that incorporate energy efficiency and the concept of annual analysis of buildings.KeywordsThermal performanceNBR 15,575 (2013, 2021)Numerical simulationEnergy-plus