Building performance simulation and monitoring

Duration

12h Th, 20h Pr, 30h Proj.

Number of credits

Lecturer

Shady Attia

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

Given the increasing demand for higher levels of sustainability in the built environment, and the growing complexity of integrated design solutions to achieve this, there is a need for design support methodologies that facilitate efficient and effective sustainable building operation. Future architectural engineers need to be able to make informed decisions based on a thorough understanding of the governing physical principles, and awareness of the dynamic interactions between climate conditions; building shape and structure; (renewable) energy systems; the energy gap; the building user; and the integration in the urban environment. The objectives of this course are to present the underlying theoretical and operational principles of building performance simulation and monitoring. Also to introduce performance-based analysis and monitoring as a useful tool for assessing the trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness and environmental performance. An energy model will be created during the course to highlight the opportunities and challenges of state-of-the-art building performance simulation and monitoring techniques and to provide hands-on training in the use of such tools.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Given the increasing complexity of energy/environmental performance in the building sector, building performance modeling, monitoring and post occupancy evaluation are emerging as a viable approach to design and performance evaluation. This course aims to give an introduction of the theoretical and operational principles underlying those new technologies. By selecting DesignBuilder, a series of monitoring tools and questionnaires the course introduces the concepts, assumptions and limitations which underlie the methods currently used to appraise occupant satisfaction, energy and environmental performance of buildings.
The objectives of this course are to:

• Perform best practices in developing energy models, as well as how to assure quality control of the models.
• Introduce performance-based analysis and monitoring as a useful tool for assessing the trade-offs between indoor climate, cost-effectiveness and environmental performance.
• Introduce best practices in developing POE, as well as how to assure quality control of subjective and objective feedback for questionnaires.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

ARCH0080-1: Physique du bâtiment et climatisation
ELEN0443-2: Acoustique et éclairage du bâtiment
ARCH2011-1: Techniques de construction durable des bâtiments IV : rénovation des bâtiments

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

The course will be based on bi-weekly ex-cathedra lectures and workshops covering the three course topics:

• Building Performance Simulation
• Building Performance Monitoring
• Post Occupancy Evaluation

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

Reading exercise
A list of readings will be provided during the course. A summary of one A4 should be handed in class (printed). The text will be graded based on the students analytical and critical input. The descriptive student synthesis should not exceed one third of the A4. The rest of the summary should demonstrate a deep understanding, analysis and critique.
Renovation Project
Using DesignBuilder every student is required to create a simulation model representing a Campus Building as a basecase. Further students will be invited to apply Energy Conservation Measures for renovation based on the simulation decision support. The final outcome is a report of architectural and technological solutions supported by evidence based proof to renovate the building to comply with the nearly zero energy buildings performance requirements,

Recommended or required readings

 Check the reading list on eCampus.

Assessment methods and criteria

Continuous assessment based on pro-active participation of scheduled activities (lectures, instructions and practical work) and successful completion of a series of assignments.  Theoretical assignments include journal papers reading and a class project.  Reading assignments are due each Wednesday by the end of the class in a printed format. It will be returned and discussed in class during the semester. Late assignments will be marked accordingly. Each weekly assignment has equal weight. The weight of the class project is major. Detailed assessment descriptions are given at the respective assignment descriptions. Giving and receiving feedback via peer-review is an essential element of this course, and grades are contingent upon frank completion of this task.
Grading Policy:
Final Project 40%
Assignments 60%
The reading assignments will be assessed based on the student's ability to read, analyze, synthesize, criticize, and reason his/her arguments.
Projects: This is lecture-based class with a student project. Therefore, there will be a significant emphasis on the student projects for the class, as well as the weekly assignments. You will have an individual project, and you will be responsible for completing the project in a professional manner. You will be responsible for your project and will be graded accordingly. 

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

eCAMPUS: There is no formal text for this class. Class notes will be placed in the class folder on eCAMPUS. You will need to obtain an account as a ULG student to access eCAMPUS. A set of reference manuals is available on the course link, and in electronic form in the class folder. Ready access to the complete set of manuals is necessary for best performance in this class.   Office Hours: Friday 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
or by appointment,
Dr. Attia can be reached in the B52 building, room # +0/542,
or by email: shady.attia@ulg.ac.be

Contacts

Shady Attia,  Professor of Sustainable Architecture and Building Technology UEE Dept., Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Liège
SBD Lab : Office +0/542
Quartier Polytech 1, Allée de la Découverte 9 4000 Liège, Belgium Tél:  +32 43.66.91.55 - Fax: +32 43.66.29.09 shady.attia@ulg.ac.be www.sbd.ulg.ac.be/

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