|
In the design of
cost-effective low-energy homes, or in more ambitious cases, net-zero energy homes (NZEH), an integrated design approach is pivotal in achieving previously unreached performance levels. An integrated design approach requires simultaneous consideration of trade-offs between many interdependent design variables, such as window to wall ratio, insulation levels, internal thermal storage, HVAC system design and sizing of renewable energy generation. Optimization approaches enable designers to consider a vast amount of design combinations simultaneously and evaluate cost and energy performance trade-offs.
As each high performance design problem has a unique set of site constraints, economic considerations, climate conditions, and energy-related occupant usage characteristics, optimization studies must inevitably be performed on a case-by-case basis. Process-oriented optimization tools can aid in identifying the most cost-effective opportunities to further improve NZEH designs.
This talk will focus on the application of a freely available optimization tool, called Building Energy Optimizer (BEOpt), developed by NREL for cost optimization of NZEH design. BEOpt uses the EnergyPlus simulation engine for building performance evaluations. This talk covers all aspects of using BEOpt in the design and analysis of NZEH design. More information about BEOpt features can be found here.
Objectives:
- Understand
the core conceptions behind the BEOpt optimization tool
- Understand the role of reference homes in BEOpt
- How to apply BEOpt to new NZEH design and to existing home
retrofits
Webinar Learning Level:
A)
Awareness
B) Understanding/Comprehension
C) Application/Implementation
D)
Mastery |
|
The Speaker
 Scott Bucking is a
PhD level researcher representing the NSERC Smart Net-Zero Energy Building
Strategic Research Network (SNEBRN) at NZEH Coalition meetings since 2009. Scott is an active
Canadian research participant in the international SHC Task 40-ECBCS Annex 52
"Towards Net-Zero Energy Solar Buildings". Scott has a diverse
background in carpentry, experimental neutrino physics, biomedical engineering,
software development, and residential and commercial building energy assessments.
Scott received a BEng in Physics Engineering (Carleton University, 2004), a Master's
degree in Building Engineering (Concordia University, 2008) and is now in his fourth year
of his PhD in building engineering at Concordia with a research focus on
optimization methodologies for net-zero energy homes.
|
